Proverbs 9:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 9:14 vividly portrays Lady Folly's strategic and public positioning, contrasting sharply with Lady Wisdom's life-giving invitation. She is depicted as sitting conspicuously at the entrance of her domain, on a prominent seat in the city's most visible and influential locations. This deliberate posture signifies her pervasive accessibility and persistent allure, designed to ensnare the unsuspecting and undiscerning, drawing them into a path that ultimately leads to spiritual and physical destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 9 concludes a major section of the book (Proverbs 1-9) that features extended wisdom poems and personifications. This chapter presents a climactic and stark contrast between two allegorical figures: Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. Lady Wisdom, introduced earlier in [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Excellence of Wisdom"), is depicted as building her house, preparing a magnificent feast, and sending out invitations to the simple and those lacking understanding, promising life and true knowledge ([Proverbs 9:1-6](/proverbs/9-1-6 "Proverbs 9:1-6 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation")). In stark opposition, [Proverbs 9:13](/proverbs/9-13 "Proverbs 9:13 - Lady Folly's Character") introduces Lady Folly as "clamorous," "simple," and knowing "nothing." Verse 14 precisely details her public and strategic placement, setting the stage for her deceptive and destructive invitation that follows in [Proverbs 9:15-17](/proverbs/9-15-17 "Proverbs 9:15-17 - Lady Folly's Deceptive Call"), which directly mimics Wisdom's call but with perverse and fatal intent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "sitting at the door of her house" and "in the high places of the city" resonates deeply with ancient Near Eastern urban life. City gates and elevated public squares were not merely thoroughfares but central hubs for commerce, legal proceedings, public announcements, and social interaction. Elders and judges would sit on "seats" or "thrones" at the city gate to administer justice and conduct business ([Ruth 4:1-2](/ruth/4-1-2 "Ruth 4:1-2 - Boaz at the City Gate"), [Proverbs 31:23](/proverbs/31-23 "Proverbs 31:23 - The Virtuous Woman's Husband at the Gates")). Furthermore, harlots were known to position themselves conspicuously in such public places to solicit clients ([Proverbs 7:10-12](/proverbs/7-10-12 "Proverbs 7:10-12 - The Enticing Harlot")). By placing Folly in such a visible and seemingly authoritative or accessible location, the text highlights her public, pervasive, and deceptive nature, mimicking legitimate or even sacred activities to ensnare the unwary.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Proverbs. It underscores the theme of **Public Temptation**, showing that sin and folly are not always hidden but often present themselves openly and conspicuously in society, making them accessible and dangerous to the undiscerning. Her "sitting at the door" and "on a seat" emphasizes **Strategic Seduction**, portraying Folly as patient, deliberate, and alluring, waiting to draw in those who pass by with false promises. Finally, Folly's public presence, mirroring Wisdom's public call in [Proverbs 8:2-3](/proverbs/8-2-3 "Proverbs 8:2-3 - Wisdom's Public Cry"), highlights the theme of **Mimicry and Deception**. Folly imitates Wisdom's visibility but perverts her purpose, offering destruction disguised as pleasure or knowledge, thereby emphasizing the need for acute spiritual discernment to navigate the choices presented in life, as seen throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sitteth (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This verb (H3427) denotes a settled, established posture, implying more than a fleeting presence. It suggests dwelling, remaining, or even taking up residence. In this context, Folly is not merely passing through; she has established herself in a fixed position, patiently waiting and actively inviting. This settled posture underscores her persistent and deliberate strategy of enticement, indicating a permanent and pervasive influence rather than a transient one.
* **seat (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "covered," this word (H3678) primarily refers to a throne or a dignified chair. It implies a position of authority, comfort, or even judgment. By sitting "on a seat," Folly appropriates a posture of importance or ease, lending a deceptive air of legitimacy or comfort to her destructive enterprise, much like a queen or judge might preside. This elevates her perceived status, making her invitation seem more credible or appealing.
* **high places (Hebrew, _mârôwm'_):** This term (H4791) refers to an elevated or lofty place, signifying prominence, visibility, and often, dignity or authority. Placing Folly "in the high places of the city" means she is positioned where she can be seen by many, maximizing her exposure and reach. This public visibility is crucial to her strategy of ensnaring the naive, as she operates not in secret, but in plain sight, making her temptations widely accessible and seemingly unavoidable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For she sitteth at the door of her house":** This clause describes Folly's deliberate and accessible posture. The "door" (Hebrew, _pethach'_ H6607) represents an opening, a threshold, or an entrance—a point of transition and decision. Folly positions herself at this critical juncture, making herself readily available to anyone entering or leaving her domain, which is implicitly a place of moral compromise and ultimate ruin (her "house," Hebrew, _bayith'_ H1004). Her "sitting" suggests a patient, settled, and inviting stance, not unlike a harlot waiting for clients.
* **"on a seat":** This phrase further emphasizes Folly's established and perhaps even comfortable or authoritative presence. It's not a casual leaning, but a deliberate occupation of a place of rest or prominence (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_ H3678). This "seat" might symbolize the deceptive comfort and false security that Folly offers to those who succumb to her allure, masking the perilous end of her path. It lends an air of legitimacy or ease to her destructive propositions.
* **"in the high places of the city":** This final phrase specifies the location, highlighting its public and prominent nature. "High places" (Hebrew, _mârôwm'_ H4791) refers to elevated, visible points like city gates, watchtowers, or public squares within the "city" (Hebrew, _qereth'_ H7176). By choosing such a conspicuous location, Folly ensures maximum visibility and accessibility to the populace, especially those who are simple or easily swayed. This public display contrasts sharply with the hidden nature of true wisdom for those who do not seek it, yet mimics Wisdom's own public call, albeit with malicious intent.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 9:14 is **Personification**, where the abstract concept of "Folly" is embodied as a distinct female character, Lady Folly. She is given human attributes and actions, such as sitting, speaking, and inviting, making her abstract nature tangible and relatable to the audience. There is also strong **Symbolism** embedded in the imagery: the "door of her house" symbolizes a point of entry into a destructive lifestyle, representing a threshold of moral choice; the "seat" represents a deceptive sense of ease, comfort, or even false authority; and "high places of the city" symbolize public visibility, pervasive temptation, and the widespread nature of sin in society. The verse also employs **Contrast**, as Folly's public display and invitation subtly but powerfully contrast with Lady Wisdom's similar, yet morally opposite, public call and feast described earlier in the chapter and in [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Call of Wisdom"), highlighting the critical choice before humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 9:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of temptation and the ever-present allure of sin. Lady Folly's public and strategic positioning highlights that evil often presents itself not in hidden corners, but in plain sight, mimicking what is good or desirable. This accessibility makes discernment crucial, as the path to destruction is often wide and easily entered, appearing attractive and convenient. The "seat" and "high places" signify that folly can assume an air of legitimacy, comfort, or even authority, drawing in those who are not grounded in true wisdom. Theologically, this underscores the constant spiritual battle and the need for believers to be vigilant against deceptive influences that permeate society, recognizing that the world's wisdom is often folly in God's eyes.

* [Proverbs 7:10-12](/proverbs/7-10-12 "Proverbs 7:10-12 - The Wiles of the Adulteress")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")
* [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lusts of the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 9:14 offers a timeless warning for believers navigating a complex world. Lady Folly's conspicuous presence reminds us that temptation is rarely subtle or hidden; rather, it often parades itself in plain sight, leveraging the "high places" of our contemporary society—be it through media, popular culture, social trends, or even seemingly legitimate ideologies. The "seat at the door" symbolizes the ease and accessibility with which sin presents itself, promising immediate gratification or false wisdom, masking the ultimate spiritual and relational devastation it brings. Therefore, we are called to cultivate an active and robust discernment, not merely avoiding obvious evils, but critically evaluating every influence that seeks to draw us in. This requires a proactive commitment to God's Word, allowing it to sharpen our spiritual senses and empower us to distinguish between the genuine, life-giving invitation of God's wisdom and the destructive enticements of Folly. Our spiritual health depends on our ability to recognize and resist these pervasive lures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do "high places" of temptation manifest in our contemporary society (e.g., social media, entertainment, popular ideologies), and how can we recognize their subtle lures?**
* **In what ways might Folly's "seat at the door" represent seemingly harmless or convenient invitations to compromise our values or spiritual convictions?**
* **What practical steps can we take daily to cultivate the discernment necessary to distinguish between Lady Wisdom's call to life and Lady Folly's deceptive path to destruction?**

### FAQ
**Why is Folly described as sitting "at the door of her house" and "on a seat"?**

Answer: This imagery emphasizes Lady Folly's deliberate, settled, and accessible posture. "At the door" signifies she is at a point of entry or exit, a place of transition where decisions are made. Her "house" is her domain, a place of spiritual danger. Sitting "on a seat" suggests a position of comfort, authority, or even a place of business, mimicking the respectable figures who would sit at city gates. This strategic placement allows her to patiently wait and actively entice the unsuspecting, making her destructive invitation seem appealing or even legitimate, much like the seductive woman described in [Proverbs 7:6-12](/proverbs/7-6-12 "Proverbs 7:6-12 - The Seduction of a Young Man").

**What is the significance of "high places of the city"?**

Answer: "High places of the city" refers to prominent, elevated, and highly visible locations such as city gates, public squares, or marketplaces. These were central hubs for public life, commerce, and communication in ancient cities. By positioning herself here, Lady Folly ensures maximum visibility and accessibility to a wide audience. This contrasts her destructive intent with Lady Wisdom's beneficial public call ([Proverbs 8:2-3](/proverbs/8-2-3 "Proverbs 8:2-3 - Wisdom Calls Aloud")), yet highlights that temptation often operates in plain sight, not always in hidden corners, making it a pervasive societal challenge.

**How does Lady Folly's strategy compare to Lady Wisdom's?**

Answer: Both Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly make public invitations, but their intentions, methods, and outcomes are diametrically opposed. Lady Wisdom builds her house, prepares a rich feast, and calls out to the simple to partake of life, understanding, and true knowledge ([Proverbs 9:1-6](/proverbs/9-1-6 "Proverbs 9:1-6 - Wisdom's Invitation to Life")). Lady Folly, on the other hand, is "clamorous" and "simple," offering stolen water and secret bread ([Proverbs 9:17](/proverbs/9-17 "Proverbs 9:17 - Folly's Deceptive Offer")), which ultimately leads to death and the depths of Sheol ([Proverbs 9:18](/proverbs/9-18 "Proverbs 9:18 - The End of Folly's Path")). Folly's strategy is one of deceptive mimicry; she adopts Wisdom's public visibility to lure victims into a path of destruction, highlighting the critical need for discernment between the two paths, as discussed throughout [the wisdom literature](/proverbs/4-18-19 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Paths of the Righteous and the Wicked").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 9:14, with Lady Folly's public and deceptive invitation, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's wisdom. While Folly sits on a "seat" of false authority in the "high places" of worldly enticement, Christ is enthroned in the true "high places" of heaven, at the right hand of God, from where He reigns with all authority ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). He is not merely "at the door" of a house of destruction, but He Himself declares, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). Unlike Folly's invitation to stolen pleasures that lead to death, Jesus offers living water and the bread of life, freely given, leading to eternal life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). He is the true [Wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), calling out not from a seat of deceptive comfort, but from a cross of self-sacrificial love, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find true rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Christ, the deceptive allure of Folly is exposed, and the genuine, life-giving call of God's wisdom is fully realized, offering a path that leads to abundant and everlasting life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant 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 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.)