Articles
Lady Wisdom & Lady Folly
Proverbs 8:10-11 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Ultimately when examining the book of Proverbs, one uncovers that there are two possible paths that we all are on, the path of the wise or the path of the foolish. There are many accounts throughout the Bible that call the reader to “Choose,” from the Garden of Eden, to Moses, to Joshua, and finally to Jesus Himself. I love the imagery that Solomon uses to compare lady wisdom and lady folly.
Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
Lady Wisdom promises the possibility of a full and prosperous existence for all who follow her. She has everything prepared and sends out servants to let everyone know they are invited. She offers so much to all who will seek after her and come to her home. From the beginning God through wisdom created all things and set into order all things. If we seek the companionship of Wisdom, she will guide us into a life of order and peace. Now, let us contrast this to the description of Lady Folly.
Proverbs 9:13-18 Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
Both Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly are portrayed as pursuing men and urging them to follow in their paths. They have very similar messages to those that pass by, but Lady Folly is specifically in pursuit of those who “have no sense”, for they are the most vulnerable and likely to follow her. Lady Wisdom also calls to the simple and the fool, urging them to forsake their folly and to follow the path of wisdom.
Lady Folly gives no thought to her own fate, nor does she warn men that following her leads inevitably to death. Just as Lady Wisdom appeals to the spiritual, Lady Folly appeals to the sensual. Lady Folly dresses seductively (7:10) and speaks erotically of her bed with its spices and expensive coverings (7:16-17). She offers to satiate her victim with love.
Ultimately, we all must make a choice, which lady will you pursue?
