The Way of Folly
January 27, 2026
Commentary
In this chapter, wisdom and folly are presented as two women who invite people to follow their ways. Wisdom appears like a queen living in a beautiful house, attended by her servants. Both wisdom and folly extend invitations, but their messages lead in opposite directions. Wisdom’s call is described earlier (vv. 1–6), while folly’s invitation appears in verses 13–18. Wisdom prepares a rich banquet and calls out from the highest place in the city (vv. 2–3). In contrast, folly is pictured as an immoral woman who uses temptation and deception to attract attention, even calling out from the same high places, seeking to confuse, distract, and lure the simple away from truth.
Folly walks the path of the foolish and noisy woman who offers a secret feast of “stolen waters” and “bread eaten in secret” (v. 17). Sin is just as eager to destroy as wisdom is to save. Both wisdom and folly appear attractive on the surface, yet their outcomes are completely different. Folly produces habits that enslave a person and cannot easily be broken. Her path leads to the destruction of both soul and body. Ending in eternal ruin, bringing regret, shame, loss, broken trust, and deep sorrow. Leaving lasting scars on families, futures, faith, personal witness, and eternal separation from God.
Folly promises quick pleasure and immediate satisfaction, while wisdom offers lasting joy and true fulfillment. This passage makes it clear that wisdom and folly lead to two very different results, either life or death. Throughout the book of Proverbs, these two paths are repeatedly shown side by side, urging each person to choose carefully. Every decision, whether small or large, moves us closer to one path or the other and shapes the direction of our lives.
Application
Which voice am I listening to today? What invitations am I accepting in my thoughts, habits, and relationships? Who is influencing me right now? Am I choosing quick pleasure or lasting wisdom? Today I want to pause, pray, and choose actions that guard my heart, honor God, and lead me toward life instead of quiet regret.
Proverbs 9:10–28 (NET)
10 The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding.
11 For because of me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you have mocked, you alone must bear it.
13 The woman called Folly is brash, she is naive and does not know anything.
14 And she has sat down at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling out to those who are passing by her in the way, who go straight on their way.
16 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” To those who lack understanding she has said,
17 “Stolen waters are sweet, and food obtained in secret is pleasant!”
18 But they do not realize that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.