Proverbs 9:18

But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.

But he knoweth {H3045} not that the dead {H7496} are there; and that her guests {H7121} are in the depths {H6012} of hell {H7585}.

But he doesn't realize that the dead are there, and that those who accept her invitation are in the depths of Sh'ol.

But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

But he knoweth not that the dead are there; That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Proverbs 9:18 serves as a stark warning, concluding the portrayal of Lady Folly in contrast to Lady Wisdom. It reveals the grim reality and hidden dangers behind Folly's enticing but deceptive invitation, emphasizing the eternal consequences for those who follow her path. The verse highlights the tragic ignorance of the simple person who falls prey to Folly's allure, unaware that her seemingly harmless banquet leads directly to ruin and spiritual death.

Context

This verse is the climax of a vivid poetic contrast presented throughout Proverbs chapter 9. Lady Wisdom, introduced in Proverbs 9:1-6, builds her house, prepares a feast, and sends out her maidens to invite the simple to gain understanding and life. In stark contrast, Lady Folly, described in Proverbs 9:13-17, is loud, ignorant, and seductively calls out to passersby from her house, offering "stolen waters" and "bread eaten in secret." The unsuspecting individual, lured by the forbidden pleasure, doesn't realize the perilous destination of this seemingly appealing path.

Key Themes

  • The Deceptive Nature of Sin: Folly's invitation appears attractive and harmless ("stolen waters are sweet"), but it conceals a deadly outcome. This speaks to how sin often masquerades as pleasure or advantage, obscuring its true, destructive end.
  • Ignorance of Consequences: The primary emphasis is on the simple person's lack of awareness ("he knoweth not"). This spiritual blindness prevents them from discerning the true nature of Folly's path and its fatal destination. It underscores the danger of choosing a path without understanding its ultimate cost.
  • The Path to Spiritual Death: The verse explicitly states that Folly's house is where "the dead are" and her guests are "in the depths of hell." This is a clear warning that pursuing foolishness and unrighteousness leads to spiritual demise and separation from God.
  • Wisdom vs. Folly: This verse powerfully reinforces the central theme of Proverbs: the critical choice between two paths—one leading to life through wisdom, and the other to death through folly. It is a call to choose the path of righteousness, which shines ever brighter.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translation of Proverbs 9:18 uses specific terms that carry profound meaning from the original Hebrew:

  • "the dead" (Heb. rephaim): This term refers to the shades or spirits of the deceased, often associated with the underworld or Sheol. It implies not just physical death, but a state of lifelessness or spiritual separation. Folly's guests are not merely in a state of weakness but are among those who are utterly devoid of life or hope.
  • "hell" (Heb. Sheol): In the Old Testament, Sheol generally refers to the grave or the realm of the dead, a place of no return. The phrase "depths of hell" (Heb. ma'amaqqe Sheol) intensifies this imagery, signifying the deepest, most inescapable part of the underworld. It is a place of utter destruction and finality, emphasizing the severe and irreversible consequences of Folly's invitation. This contrasts sharply with the hope of resurrection found elsewhere in Scripture.

Practical Application

Proverbs 9:18 offers timeless wisdom for modern life:

  • Discernment is Crucial: We must be vigilant and not be swayed by seemingly attractive but morally ambiguous invitations or lifestyles. The world often presents paths that look appealing but lead to spiritual and moral decay. Seek wisdom from God to discern between truth and deception.
  • Understand Consequences: Every choice has consequences, some of which are hidden or long-term. This verse is a powerful reminder to consider the ultimate outcome of our decisions, especially those pertaining to our moral and spiritual lives.
  • Choose God's Wisdom: In a world filled with alluring temptations, the only safe path is the one guided by God's wisdom, found in His Word. Embracing the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge protects us from the destructive paths of folly.
  • Spiritual Awareness: The verse calls us to be spiritually aware, recognizing that spiritual death and separation from God are real and dire consequences of ungodly choices. It's a call to seek life and righteousness, which leads to eternal life in Christ.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 7:27

    Her house [is] the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

  • Proverbs 2:18

    For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

  • Proverbs 2:19

    None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

  • Proverbs 5:5

    Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

  • Proverbs 6:26

    For by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

  • Proverbs 1:7

    ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  • Psalms 82:5

    They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back