What does Proverbs 9:13-18 mean?
"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell." - Proverbs 9:13-18

Proverbs 9:13-18 from the King James Version of the Bible reads:
"13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
This section of Proverbs describes the contrast between wisdom and foolishness, using the metaphor of a wise woman who represents wisdom and a foolish woman who represents folly. The passage warns against the allure of foolishness and the destruction it can bring.
The foolish woman portrayed in these verses is described as "clamorous," meaning she is loud and obnoxious in her actions. She is also naive and lacks understanding. She is depicted as sitting at the door of her house, calling out to those who pass by. This symbolizes her readiness to lure people in with her foolishness and lead them astray.
The foolish woman's invitation to "stolen waters" and "bread eaten in secret" represents the forbidden pleasures and sinful indulgences that she offers. The idea of stolen waters being sweet and bread eaten in secret being pleasant symbolizes the temporary satisfaction that comes from embracing folly and succumbing to temptation. However, the passage warns that the consequences of these actions are severe, as the dead are found where the foolish woman leads her guests.
This passage serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of succumbing to foolishness and temptation. It warns against being swayed by the temporary pleasures of sin and emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding.
The context of these verses is within the larger book of Proverbs, which is known for its teachings on wisdom, morality, and righteous living. The contrast between wisdom and folly is a recurring theme throughout the book, with the wise woman representing the path of wisdom and the foolish woman representing the path of folly. The passage serves as a warning to those who are tempted by the allure of sinful pleasures and urges them to seek wisdom and understanding instead.
Symbolically, the foolish woman represents the temptations and distractions that lead people away from the path of righteousness. Her loud and persistent nature reflects the persuasive and seductive nature of sin. The stolen waters and bread eaten in secret symbolize the temporary satisfaction and pleasure that sin offers, but the warning of the dead being there and her guests being in the depths of hell emphasizes the destructive consequences of following this path.
In conclusion, Proverbs 9:13-18 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding and the dangers of succumbing to foolishness and temptation. It urges readers to be discerning and to resist the temporary pleasures of sin in favor of seeking righteousness and wisdom. This passage continues to serve as a timeless and universal warning for people to choose the path of wisdom over folly.
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Proverbs 9:13-18 Artwork
Proverbs 9:13-18 - "A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell." - Proverbs 9:13-18
Proverbs 9:13 - "A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing."
"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing." - Proverbs 9:13
Proverbs 9:18 - "But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
Proverbs 3:13-18 – "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding."
Proverbs 18:9 - "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster."
Proverbs 18:13 - "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."
Proverbs 13:9 - "The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out."
Proverbs 13:18 - "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured."
"But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell." - Proverbs 9:18
"The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out." - Proverbs 13:9
"He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster." - Proverbs 18:9
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." - Proverbs 18:13
"Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured." - Proverbs 13:18
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 9:16-18 - "Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
Proverbs 18:18 - "The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty."
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