Proverbs 9:13

KJV

¶ A foolish woman [is] clamorous: [she is] simple, and knoweth nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

A foolish {H3687} woman {H802} is clamorous {H1993}: she is simple {H6615}, and {H1077} knoweth {H3045} nothing {H4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The foolish woman is coarse; she doesn't think, and she doesn't know a thing.

Berean Standard Bible

The woman named Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing.

American Standard Version

The foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knoweth nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 9:13 introduces Lady Folly, a striking and deliberate antithesis to Lady Wisdom, whose virtues and invitation were meticulously detailed in the preceding verses. This verse succinctly characterizes Folly as boisterous, undisciplined, naive, and fundamentally devoid of spiritual and moral understanding. It serves as the ominous prelude to her deceptive invitation, highlighting the inherent perils and destructive nature of choosing a path that lacks true wisdom and discerning insight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 9 functions as the climactic culmination of the book's foundational opening section (chapters 1-9), which consistently employs the literary device of personifying wisdom as a divine and guiding force. The chapter masterfully constructs a profound theological **contrast** through two opposing invitations: Lady Wisdom's gracious call to life, understanding, and fellowship in [Proverbs 9:1-12](/proverbs/9-1-12 "Proverbs 9:1-12 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation and Feast") is immediately followed by Lady Folly's seductive, yet ultimately fatal, counter-invitation in [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13-18 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - Lady Folly's Deceptive Call"). Verse 13 specifically serves as the introduction to Lady Folly, meticulously detailing her character and disposition before she extends her perilous offer. This sharp juxtaposition powerfully underscores the critical choice presented to the reader: to embrace the disciplined, life-giving path of wisdom or to succumb to the chaotic and death-dealing allure of folly.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, _ḥokhmah_) was not merely an intellectual attribute but a comprehensive practical, moral, and spiritual understanding deeply rooted in the "fear of the Lord" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, _yirʼat YHWH_), as declared in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). The literary technique of personifying abstract concepts, such as Wisdom and Folly, as women was a common and effective rhetorical device in the ancient Near East, making complex ideas tangible and relatable to a diverse audience. The home was a central sphere of influence for women in this patriarchal society, rendering the imagery of inviting guests into one's house particularly potent and culturally resonant. Lady Folly's "clamorous" nature would have been perceived as highly disruptive and contrary to the societal expectations of modesty, decorum, and order, especially for a woman, thereby further emphasizing her deviant and morally corrupt character.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is pivotal to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Proverbs. Foremost is the profound **dichotomy between wisdom and folly**, presented not merely as differing philosophies but as two distinct, mutually exclusive paths leading invariably to either life or death, blessing or curse. Lady Folly embodies the absolute antithesis of the righteous life, characterized by a profound lack of self-control, spiritual discernment, and moral integrity. Another crucial theme illuminated here is **discernment**, as the "simple" person (פְּתִי, _pethiy_) is depicted as easily swayed by superficial appeals, tragically unable to perceive the true, often dire, consequences of their choices. The verse also powerfully highlights the **danger of spiritual ignorance**, suggesting that a lack of knowledge concerning God's ways and moral truth is far from benign; it is actively destructive, leading one down a path of ruin, as chillingly articulated in [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - A Way That Seems Right").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foolish (Hebrew, _kᵉçîylûwth'_):** Derived from the root _kᵉçîyl_ (fool), this term signifies silliness, stupidity, or folly. In Proverbs, it describes not merely an intellectual deficit but a profound moral and spiritual deficiency—an obstinate refusal to acknowledge, embrace, or follow God's revealed wisdom. It implies a character marked by irrationality, impulsiveness, and a willful disregard for wise counsel, inevitably leading to self-destructive behavior and ruin.
* **Clamorous (Hebrew, _hâmâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to make a loud sound," "to be in great commotion or tumult," or "to rage." This word vividly portrays Lady Folly as noisy, boisterous, restless, and agitated. Her "clamorous" nature suggests a profound lack of inner peace, self-control, and order, standing in stark contrast to the calm, composed, and inviting demeanor of Lady Wisdom. It indicates a disruptive, unrestrained, and perhaps even aggressive presence that lacks proper boundaries and decorum.
* **Simple (Hebrew, _pᵉthayûwth'_):** From the root _pᵉthiy_ (simple), this word denotes silliness or seducibility. It characterizes someone who is naive, gullible, easily persuaded, or open to deception due to a lack of critical discernment and moral astuteness. Lady Folly herself is defined by this naiveté, making her susceptible to her own destructive impulses and tragically unable to perceive the true danger of the path she offers and embodies. She is both a deceiver and, in a profound sense, self-deceived.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A foolish woman is clamorous:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the core character of Lady Folly. She is not merely foolish in a passive or intellectual sense, but actively "clamorous," indicating a loud, unruly, and disruptive presence. This external noise and commotion are direct manifestations of her internal disorder, moral chaos, and profound lack of wisdom, drawing attention to herself in an unseemly and unedifying manner that defies societal and spiritual norms.
* **"she is simple,"** The term "simple" here refers to someone who is naive, gullible, easily persuaded, or open to deception. It highlights a fundamental lack of critical discernment and spiritual astuteness. Lady Folly herself is characterized by this naiveté, making her susceptible to her own destructive impulses and tragically unable to perceive the true danger of her path or the consequences of her choices. She is both an active deceiver and, in a profound sense, profoundly self-deceived.
* **"and knoweth nothing."** This concluding clause underscores the profound spiritual and moral ignorance that defines Lady Folly. Her "knowing nothing" is not merely an absence of factual information but a fundamental and willful lack of understanding concerning truth, righteousness, divine principles, and the ultimate consequences of her actions. This spiritual blindness renders her exceedingly dangerous, as she cannot genuinely guide others to life because she herself is utterly devoid of true knowledge, discernment, and the wisdom that leads to life.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 9:13 is exceptionally rich in **Personification**, as "Folly" is embodied as a "woman," giving an abstract concept a tangible, relatable, and vividly active form. This allows the author to describe Folly's characteristics and actions as if she were a real person, making her allure, her disruptive nature, and her inherent danger more immediate and vivid for the reader. The verse also employs striking **Contrast**, specifically with Lady Wisdom, who was meticulously introduced earlier in the chapter. Where Wisdom builds her magnificent house and prepares a life-giving feast, Folly is clamorous, disorderly, and offers a path leading inexorably to death. This powerful **Juxtaposition** highlights the stark and non-negotiable choice presented to the reader. Furthermore, the description of Folly as "clamorous" and "knowing nothing" uses a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and utterly bankrupt nature of her character, painting a picture of profound moral and spiritual emptiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 9:13 profoundly contributes to the biblical understanding of wisdom and folly, not merely as intellectual states but as deeply ingrained moral and spiritual orientations. Lady Folly represents the path of sin, rebellion against God's divine order, and self-deception—a way characterized by chaos, deception, and ultimate destruction. Her "clamorous" nature reflects the world's noisy distractions, superficial appeals, and relentless clamor for attention that promise immediate gratification but ultimately deliver emptiness and ruin. Her "simplicity" and "knowing nothing" speak to the spiritual blindness and profound lack of discernment that prevent one from distinguishing truth from falsehood, light from darkness, and life from death. This verse serves as a sober and urgent warning that true, flourishing life is found only in the diligent pursuit of God's wisdom, which begins with a reverent fear of Him and leads inevitably to discernment, righteousness, and genuine understanding.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")
* [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Wisdom from Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 9:13 offers a potent mirror for profound self-examination and an indispensable guide for navigating the complex moral and spiritual landscape of our lives. In a world saturated with information, competing narratives, and persuasive voices, the "clamorous" nature of Lady Folly serves as a vital reminder to critically evaluate the sources and content of the messages we internalize. Is the prevailing influence loud, chaotic, and lacking substantive truth, or does it offer genuine wisdom, inner peace, and profound understanding? We are called to cultivate an acute spiritual discernment, recognizing that true "simplicity" is not innocence but a dangerous gullibility that leaves us tragically vulnerable to deception and manipulation. The stark warning against "knowing nothing" challenges us to actively and diligently pursue spiritual knowledge and divine truth, understanding that willful ignorance of God's ways has severe and eternal consequences. This verse compels us to make a deliberate, daily choice between the fleeting, deceptive pleasures offered by the world's folly and the enduring, abundant life found only in God's wisdom, ensuring that our steps lead unequivocally to righteousness rather than ruin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be susceptible to the "clamorous" and superficial appeals of the world, rather than diligently seeking quiet wisdom and truth?**
* **How can I actively cultivate greater spiritual discernment to avoid being "simple" and easily led astray by deceptive messages, influences, or ideologies?**
* **What concrete steps am I taking to grow in my knowledge of God and His revealed truth, so that I do not "know nothing" about what truly matters for life and godliness?**
* **How does my daily life, choices, and priorities reflect a conscious and deliberate choice for Lady Wisdom's path over Lady Folly's seductive invitation?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that the foolish woman is "clamorous"?**

Answer: The term "clamorous" (Hebrew: _hâmâh_) describes Lady Folly as noisy, boisterous, and in a state of inner commotion or tumult. It suggests a profound lack of self-control, order, and inner peace. Unlike Lady Wisdom, who builds her house and sends out her maidens with an orderly and dignified invitation ([Proverbs 9:1-3](/proverbs/9-1-3 "Proverbs 9:1-3 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation")), Lady Folly's loudness implies a disruptive, unrestrained, and perhaps even aggressive character, often associated with a lack of proper boundaries or decorum in ancient Near Eastern society. Her clamor is an outward manifestation of her internal spiritual and moral disorder.

**How does "simple" in this verse relate to other uses of the word in Proverbs?**

Answer: In Proverbs, the Hebrew word _pᵉthayûwth_ (translated "simple") often refers to someone who is naive, impressionable, or easily persuaded. It's not necessarily about intellectual deficiency, but rather a profound lack of critical discernment and moral astuteness. The "simple" person is open to deception because they lack the wisdom and insight to evaluate situations, advice, or consequences properly. Lady Folly herself is characterized by this naiveté, making her a dangerous guide because she lacks the insight to perceive the true, often deadly, consequences of her own actions or the path she offers, as seen in the warnings against the simple youth in [Proverbs 7:7](/proverbs/7-7 "Proverbs 7:7 - The Naive Youth and the Adulteress").

**What is the significance of Lady Folly "knowing nothing"?**

Answer: The phrase "knoweth nothing" (Hebrew: _yâdaʻ_ with _mâh_) signifies a profound and willful spiritual ignorance, extending far beyond a mere absence of facts. It implies a fundamental lack of moral insight, discernment, and understanding of divine truth and the principles of life. Lady Folly is blind to the true nature of good and evil, the ultimate consequences of sin, and the path to genuine, flourishing life. This spiritual void makes her an exceedingly dangerous figure, as she cannot offer true guidance or life-giving counsel; instead, she offers only a deceptive path that leads inexorably to ruin, as ultimately and tragically revealed in [Proverbs 9:18](/proverbs/9-18 "Proverbs 9:18 - Folly's Deadly Path").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 9:13, with its vivid portrayal of Lady Folly, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark and absolute contrast between the world's deceptive allure and the true, divine wisdom perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. Lady Folly's "clamorous" and "simple" nature, coupled with her profound spiritual ignorance, powerfully represents the fallen world's empty promises, chaotic distractions, and inherent spiritual blindness. Humanity, in its natural state, is often like the "simple" one, easily swayed by the noisy clamor and fleeting pleasures that promise freedom and fulfillment but invariably lead to bondage, death, and despair. However, Christ stands as the absolute antithesis of Lady Folly. He is the very **Wisdom of God** personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). While Lady Folly "knoweth nothing" and offers a path to death, Jesus authoritatively declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), offering not stolen bread but the **bread of life** that truly satisfies ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and living water that quenches eternal thirst ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). His divine invitation is not to death and the grave, but to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd Gives Abundant Life")) and eternal fellowship. Thus, Lady Folly's destructive path serves to highlight the indispensable, life-giving, and eternally satisfying nature of following Christ, who alone is the inexhaustible source of true wisdom, perfect knowledge, and everlasting life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 7:11

(She [is] loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

Proverbs 5:6

Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them].

1 Timothy 6:4

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Proverbs 21:19

¶ [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 21:9

¶ [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.