Proverbs 9:13
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
Original Language Analysis
הֹֽמִיָּ֑ה
is clamorous
H1993
הֹֽמִיָּ֑ה
is clamorous
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
3 of 7
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
וּבַל
and
H1077
וּבַל
and
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
Cross References
Proverbs 7:11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:Proverbs 5:6Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.1 Timothy 6:4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom valued measured speech. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 warns: 'Be not rash with thy mouth...a fool voice is known by multitude of words.' James 1:19 instructs: 'Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.' Modern culture increasingly values volume and confidence over substance and truth. Social media amplifies this - loudest voices gain platforms regardless of wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between confident foolishness and humble wisdom in voices around you?
- What areas of your life involve loud confident speaking about topics you actually know little about?
- How can you cultivate measured speech that reflects genuine knowledge rather than mere confidence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Foolish woman is loud, simple, and knows nothing. Contrasting Wisdom (9:1-6), Folly is personified as foolish woman. The Hebrew 'hamah' (loud/tumultuous), 'pethiy' (simple/naive), and 'yada mah' (knows nothing) describe her character. Foolishness is noisy, ignorant, but confident. The fool speaks much while knowing little. Proverbs consistently portrays folly as loud and wisdom as measured. Noise doesn't indicate substance; often it covers ignorance.