Proverbs 9:14 Study Bible: She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

◄ Proverbs 9:14 ►

She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city,

She sits
The phrase "She sits" suggests a position of authority and intentionality. In the Hebrew context, the verb "sits" (יָשַׁב, yashab) often implies dwelling or remaining in a place with purpose. This is not a casual or temporary position; it indicates a settled presence. In the biblical narrative, sitting can also denote teaching or judgment, as seen in the posture of rabbis or judges. Here, it reflects the deliberate and enticing posture of Folly, contrasting with Wisdom, who also calls out to the simple.

at the door of her house
The "door of her house" signifies a place of entrance and invitation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the door was a significant place for social interaction and decision-making. It was where transactions occurred and where one could observe and engage with passersby. The house represents a domain or sphere of influence. In this context, Folly's house is a metaphor for her realm of influence, where she seeks to lure the unsuspecting. The door is a threshold, symbolizing the choice between entering into folly or seeking wisdom.

on a seat
The "seat" implies a position of prominence and visibility. In Hebrew, the word for seat (כִּסֵּא, kisse) can also mean throne, suggesting authority and power. This imagery conveys that Folly is not hidden; she is prominently displayed, making her allure accessible and appealing. The seat is a place of rest and permanence, indicating that Folly is established and entrenched in her ways, offering a counterfeit sense of stability.

in the heights of the city
The "heights of the city" refers to a place of visibility and influence. Cities in ancient times were often built on elevated ground for defense and prominence. The heights were strategic locations, often associated with places of worship or significant public gatherings. By positioning herself in the heights, Folly seeks to maximize her influence and visibility, mimicking the call of Wisdom, who also positions herself in prominent places (Proverbs 8:2). This highlights the pervasive and competing voices in the world, urging the reader to discern between the call of wisdom and the allure of folly.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman Folly
In Proverbs 9, the woman described is often referred to as "Folly." She is personified as a seductive and deceitful figure who seeks to lead others astray from wisdom and righteousness.

2. The Door of Her House
This represents the entrance to a place of temptation and sin. It is a metaphorical location where Folly invites passersby to enter and partake in foolishness.

3. The Heights of the City
This location signifies a place of visibility and influence. By sitting in the heights, Folly positions herself to be seen and heard by many, symbolizing the pervasive nature of temptation and sin.

Teaching Points

The Allure of Folly
Folly is often presented in an attractive and enticing manner, making it easy to be drawn in. Believers must be vigilant and discerning to recognize and resist these temptations.

The Visibility of Sin
Sin often positions itself in places of prominence and influence, much like Folly sitting in the heights of the city. Christians should be aware of the pervasive nature of sin in society and guard their hearts and minds.

The Importance of Wisdom
Proverbs consistently contrasts wisdom and folly, urging believers to seek wisdom through God's Word and prayer. Wisdom leads to life, while folly leads to destruction.

Guarding the Heart
As Folly sits at the door, believers must guard the "door" of their hearts, being cautious about what they allow to enter. This involves being mindful of influences and making choices that align with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of Folly sitting at the door of her house in the heights of the city reflect the nature of temptation in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we discern between the voice of Folly and the voice of Wisdom in our daily decisions?

3. How does the contrast between Proverbs 8 and Proverbs 9 help us understand the importance of seeking wisdom?

4. What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against the allure of sin and temptation?

5. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14 inform our understanding of the choices between wisdom and folly?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 7
This chapter also describes a seductive woman who leads a young man astray, paralleling the imagery of Folly in Proverbs 9. It serves as a warning against succumbing to temptation.

Proverbs 8
In contrast to Folly, Proverbs 8 personifies Wisdom as a woman who calls out to people, offering truth and understanding. This juxtaposition highlights the choice between wisdom and folly.

Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus speaks of the narrow and wide gates, symbolizing the choice between the path of life and the path of destruction. This aligns with the choice between wisdom and folly in Proverbs.

Sermons

The Ministry of Temptation	Homilist	Proverbs 9:14
The Pleasures of Sin	W. Arnot, D. D.	Proverbs 9:14
The Foolish Woman	R. Wardlaw.	Proverbs 9:13-15
The Invitation of Folly	E. Johnson	Proverbs 9:13-18
The Truth About Sin	W. Clarkson	Proverbs 9:13-18

People

Solomon

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Door, Doorway, Entry, Highest, Opening, Places, Point, Sat, Seat, Seated, Sits, Sitteth, Takes, Throne, Town

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Proverbs 9:13-18

5340 house

Library

The Temple of Wisdom
(Preached at Wellington College, All Saints' Day, 1866.) PROVERBS ix. 1-5. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and to him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. This allegory has been …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The Dryness of Preachers, and the Various Evils which Arise from their Failing to Teach Heart-Prayer --Exhortation to Pastors to Lead People Towards this Form Of
If all those who are working for the conquest of souls sought to win them by the heart, leading them first of all to prayer and to the inner life, they would see many and lasting conversions. But so long as they only address themselves to the outside, and instead of drawing people to Christ by occupying their hearts with Him, they only give them a thousand precepts for outward observances, they will see but little fruit, and that will not be lasting. When once the heart is won, other defects are …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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