Folly’s Feast
09.18.24
We continue with our look at Proverbs 9. Herein Solomon presents two contrasting feasts. One is offered by Wisdom (1-6). This we considered previously. In between the feasts Solomon presents a second contrast—between the wise and the fool, the scorner (7-12).
Today we will focus on the feast offered by Folly (13-18). In order to see the contrast, let us be reminded of the setting and tone of Wisdom’s feast. Her feast takes place in a house that is solid, spacious and stable. Her invitation is open to anyone who wishes to come. The meal has been carefully provided and the provision is abundant. Best of all, this feast leads to life!
The contrast to the feast of Folly could not be any more stark. The feasts are presented in parallel fashion so we will follow Solomon’s presentation.
We first consider the host (13). A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knows nothing. As with Wisdom, the host is presented as a woman. Though not specifically mentioned as being an adulteress, this is presented elsewhere (2:16; 5:3; 6:24; 7:5). This is a fitting picture as adultery is the height of folly.
Her character is presented as boisterous and ignorant. She rails against God and fails in her ability to discern right from wrong.
As for Folly’s house (14)- For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city. Her house is undescribed and isn’t given the same high qualities as that of Wisdom.
She gives the same invitation as does Wisdom (15, 16). …to call passengers who go right on their ways: whoso is simple, let him turn in there: and as for him that lacks understanding, she says to him… Yet, there is a paradox. On the one hand, the call is universal, everyone is invited to come. On the other hand, it is a private invitation (14). She sits on a chair in front of her house calling out to the passersby, so of course not everyone will hear. Temptation likes to make you think that you are special (as in 7:13-18).
Unlike the well-prepared sumptuous meal that Wisdom offers, her meal is sparse and ill-gotten (17). ‘Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.’ It is like prison fare. She has made no personal preparation, no effort to give great joy to her guests. What she offers is enticing only because it is forbidden and secret.
Her invitation mirrors that of Wisdom- Whoso is simple, let him turn in there. The word ‘simple’ refers to being open, perhaps naïve. Both Wisdom and Folly call out to anyone who will listen.
Though some things are similar, and there are great contrasts, the important difference is in the end result. While Wisdom promises life, Folly leads to death (18). But he knows not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. Everlasting death. Though the pleasure is sweet, it is only temporary.
Each and every person is given the choice to follow the offer of Wisdom, the sweet message of life offered by the Lord Jesus Christ, or to take some other path which can only lead to death. Which will you choose? Jesus said … “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the father but by me. (John 14:6)
As always, if we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.