Proverbs 9:13

Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing.

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There are so many layers to Proverbs 9:13 that I gotta be careful as I dissect it... but know this — I’m dissecting it anyway. So let’s start with a pre-dissection–section.

The Proverbs’ portrayal of “Folly” as a loud, seductive woman is metaphorically vivid — and honestly, socially and emotionally triggering. Because we all reflexively “other” the bad girl or bad boy way faster than we celebrate the good girl or good boy. It’s just how humans work.

Throughout Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a fine, gorgeous, gracious woman — the kind you’d want to pursue, the kind that you’d want to learn from, and be close to all the times. Folly, on the other hand, is the “bad girl” — the rude and nasty streetwalker. And without realizing it, we sometimes get caught up in those social stereotypes that both images conjure.

But here’s the thing: Both Wisdom and Folly are portrayed as women because this book was written for young men who were learning life’s lessons in a very patriarchal context. Back then, girls weren’t really expected to be formal learners or teachers — so Virtue and Vice were automatically personified as women.

Both commanded desire, both drew attention. But the nature of that attention was very different.

Notice how the verse says Folly is loud. But don’t think wisdom is quiet — Just a chapter ago we discovered that Wisdom is loud too, in her own way. Wisdom was understood to be on every street corner, at every crossroads, even on the busiest Main Street. She calls out loud and clear. Her voice is a welcome sound.

Folly’s loudness, though? It’s different. It’s brash: that’s the equivalent fo the Hebrew word here הָמָֽה hāmâ…Just BOISTROUS! You know the type of loudness that’s more than just turning up the volume — it’s the alarm clock shriek that disturbs your sleep, it’s the jarring interruption that throws you off your game. It’s a distraction designed to grab your attention, to pull you away.

Let’s keep it 100 here: bad boys, bad girls, are delicious distractions — they have a magnetic pull. That’s part of why Folly is so dangerous. She’s loud. She’s crazy! She don’t give a ‘huh’... and She’s also seductive.

Seduction isn’t just about attraction — it’s the lure of shortcuts, the promise of a good & sneaky hack, an easier way, the temptation to grab what feels good in the moment without considering the cost. Folly seduces by offering immediate satisfaction, but she’s empty beneath the surface.

Because the last part of the verse says Folly “knows nothing.” The Hebrew meaning here is powerful: she knows nothing of eternal value. And that’s part of the deception right? Because she knows how to immediately get you caught up, but in the long run she’s ultimately shallow, ignorant of what really lasts. She’s loud and unclear.

Did you catch the contrast?

Wisdom is loud and clear. She calls you toward life, truth, and meaning. Her loudness wakes you up but also guides you home.

Folly is loud and unclear. She’s the noise that confuses, distracts, and seduces you into a dead-end. She shouts, but her voice leads nowhere good.

So Here This (in my loud ‘outside’ voice)

Not all loud voices lead home—so choose the call that’s clear..

🙏🏽 Prayer

God, give me ears to hear wisdom beyond the noise.

💡 Today’s Challenge:

Look and Listen for the loud distractions in your life today. Pause. Choose clarity over noise. Follow wisdom’s call, not folly’s shout.

About the Author

Fred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch

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Be Wise and Be Well...peace.

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