July 8, 2021
~ The Two Women of Proverbs 9 ~
There are two ‘women’ (symbolic for churches) described in the Book of Revelation. Chapter 12 describes the faithful woman. Chapter 17 reveals the unfaithful woman and her apostate daughters. These same two women are featured in Proverbs 9. The first woman is called Wisdom. She has built her house (v.1) and furnished her table (v.2) completely (as indicated by seven pillars in v.1). Her diligence and excellent preparations are a veritable feast of Truth. She has “sent out her maidens” (v.3) to look for people and bring them to the table. She cries out from the highest places in the city, inviting: Come! Eat! Drink!
The second woman is described as foolish and clamorous. She is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house on a seat by the highest places in the city (v.14). She sits and calls out to those passing by.
See the initial wording of both invitations: Wisdom cries out, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” (v.4) The foolish woman calls out in v.16: “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” Did you catch that? The initial invitations sound identical! The foolish woman is mimicking Wisdom. Not only does she sit near where Wisdom is, but she also uses the very same words. Her deceptions take advantage of him who lacks understanding (v.16b).
Wisdom characterizes God’s plan and purpose: “Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.” (v.6) Verses 7-9 contrast someone who is open to correction with someone whose pride renders him resentful of correction.
The foolish woman represents the work of our enemy: to confuse and deceive with a counterfeit message . . . a subtle imposter cloaked in religious garb to steal, kill, destroy! (John 10:10) Once you go inside, the message shifts away from Truth. Compromise sets in, little deviations here and there… and, eventually, complete waywardness: “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” (v.17) Jesus is the only Source of living water (John 4:10, Revelation 7:17). He is the bread of life (John 6:33,35,48). Isaiah prophesied about the completeness of the apostasy in the last days, taking the name of Christ without following His word: And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, “We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel; Only let us be called by your name, To take away our reproach.” (Isaiah 4:1)
Beloved, we need living water, the bread of life, and His robe of righteousness! Here is the result of following the call of Wisdom:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you. (vs. 10&11)
For those choosing to follow the call of the foolish woman: her guests are in the depths of hell. (v.18)
In Matthew 24:24, Christ warns us: “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Children of God, will we heed the voice of Wisdom or the voice of foolishness? God’s Word shows that the cry of Wisdom is mimicked in an attempt to “deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Oh, beloved, hear Him! The Great Shepherd says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)