Proverbs Chapter 9 · Verse 14
For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
Original Language Analysis
וְֽ֭יָשְׁבָה
For she sitteth
H3427
וְֽ֭יָשְׁבָה
For she sitteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לְפֶ֣תַח
at the door
H6607
לְפֶ֣תַח
at the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
2 of 7
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
בֵּיתָ֑הּ
of her house
H1004
בֵּיתָ֑הּ
of her house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
False prophets throughout Scripture mimicked true prophets' practices - speaking confidently, claiming divine authority, positioning prominently. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 provided test: fulfilled prophecy validates true prophet. Jesus warned: 'Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves' (Matthew 7:15). External similarity requires internal discernment. Truth and error both speak confidently.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between wisdom's invitation and folly's imitation?
- What voices in your life seem authoritative but may be offering folly rather than wisdom?
- What tests help you discern truth from error when both speak confidently?
Analysis & Commentary
She sits at her house door, on a seat in the city's high places. Like Wisdom (9:3), Folly positions herself prominently. The Hebrew 'yashav' (sit/dwell) and 'kisse' (seat/throne) describe established positioning. Folly doesn't hide but publicly calls, mimicking wisdom's public invitation. Distinguishing wisdom from folly requires discernment, not merely observing visibility or confidence. Both call loudly; content differs.