Proverbs 9:14

For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

For she sitteth {H3427} at the door {H6607} of her house {H1004}, on a seat {H3678} in the high places {H4791} of the city {H7176},

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

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

And she sitteth at the door of her house, On a seat in the high places of the city,

Commentary

Context

The ninth chapter of Proverbs presents a vivid personification of two opposing figures: Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. While Wisdom builds her house, slaughters her beasts, and prepares a rich feast, inviting all who lack understanding to partake of life-giving knowledge, Folly operates in stark contrast. Proverbs 9:13 describes Folly as "clamorous," "simple," and knowing "nothing." This verse, Proverbs 9:14, precisely details her strategic and public positioning, setting the stage for her deceptive invitation that follows. She is not hidden but conspicuously present, seeking to ensnare the naive and undiscerning.

Key Themes

  • Public Temptation: Folly does not hide in shadows but positions herself openly, in "high places of the city," where she can be seen and heard by many. This signifies that temptation and sin are often visible and accessible, not always concealed, making them more dangerous to the unwary.
  • Strategic Seduction: Her "sitting at the door" implies a deliberate, patient posture of invitation and enticement. She waits for the unsuspecting to pass by, ready to draw them in with her false promises. This highlights the alluring and persistent nature of sin's appeal.
  • Mimicry and Deception: Folly's public presence, similar to Wisdom's public call in Proverbs 8, is a form of mimicry. She imitates Wisdom's visibility but perverts her purpose, offering destruction instead of life. This underscores the deceptive nature of sin, which often disguises itself as something beneficial or desirable.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "high places of the city" (Hebrew: bamot 'ir) refers to prominent, elevated spots, such as city gates, marketplaces, or watchtowers, which were public thoroughfares and meeting points in ancient cities. This choice of location underscores Folly's desire for maximum visibility and accessibility to passersby. Her "sitting at the door" (Hebrew: yashbah petach) implies a passive yet alluring posture, waiting for passersby, much like a harlot might. This highlights the seductive and soliciting nature of Folly, waiting for the simple to be drawn into her snare.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful warning for believers today regarding the pervasive nature of temptation.

  • Discernment is Crucial: We must be discerning about the influences we encounter daily, particularly those that are highly visible and seemingly accessible through media, culture, or social circles. Not everything that presents itself openly is beneficial or true.
  • Recognize Temptation's Lure: Folly's public display reminds us that sin often presents itself attractively and conveniently, promising easy pleasures or false wisdom. The "seat" suggests a place of ease and comfort, masking the ultimate destruction that awaits those who succumb. We are warned that her guests are in the depths of hell.
  • Choose Wisdom Deliberately: The call to acquire wisdom above all else is paramount. True wisdom, found in God's Word, enables believers to distinguish between the genuine, life-giving invitation of God's wisdom and the destructive enticements of Folly. We must actively choose to seek and follow the path of righteousness, rather than passively falling prey to the seductions of the world.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 9:3

    She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

  • Proverbs 7:10

    And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

  • Proverbs 7:12

    Now [is she] without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
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