In our continuing study of wisdom verses foolishness, we find Proverbs shows how foolishness ends. The Bible says a foolish woman is clamorous. The word means to growl, rage, make noise, or to be in a stir. Other meanings are there as well but these meanings give a general understanding of what is being said. One text to help us understand this is found in Proverbs 7:11. Notice what Proverbs 9:13 says, “She is simple and knows nothing”. This personification of foolishness is not only loud, obnoxious, boisterous, and notice what is said, simple and knows nothing.

This woman is doing the very things we talked about already in Proverbs 5-7. This sits on high places, and places of authority and they call to all who pass by (Proverbs 9:14). The call goes to all who are passing by, and only the simple (ignorant) will turn in to it (Proverbs 9:15-16).

But the bulk of our devotion will now focus on what is being said. Notice in Proverbs 9:17, this foolishness speaks and makes the call of stolen water is sweet. There is an interesting point to consider. Stolen waters is that which is not meant for or not given to the individual. It was forbidden until some other parameter is met, such as in this case, the water is bought. In connection to this is the thrill of enjoying a forbidden item. The thrill of sneaking around, as pictured of eating bread in secret, is a draw for many. One of the biggest area this is found is with adultery.

Adultery is an affair between someone who is not their spouse, and it is done in secret. The view and thought is often described as an affair fog. The truth is not seen through the fog and excitement of the forbidden event. Here in our text, this is what is described. This hidden and forbidden objects are relished and enjoyed.

As Christians, we must be careful. God gives us what is and is not appropriate for those who desire to follow and serve Him. To the very beginning, Eve was deceived and was presented lies to make the forbidden fruit something to be desired. Even today, things are off limit unless some preliminary requirement is completed. This stolen water and bread can be anything. Bread and water are the basics of existence, but we can substitute almost anything into this slot. The forbidden aspects are in place, not because God is just wanting to kill joy and fun, but because He is wanting to protect us. How is He protecting us?

Look at Proverbs 9:18. Those who are guests here and partake in these forbidden things are dead, and the dead are in hell. This is a separation from God. It is the curse from the fall in Genesis 3. God knows the path of disobedience and rebellion only leads to hell. Therefore, the safety is there to keep us from being led to hell, but to keep our heart open to hearing the truth and accepting Jesus as our Savior.

It is therefore vital for us to hear and follow the Wisdom given to us throughout Proverbs 9. Proverbs 9:10 sums this chapter up well. It is only by the fear of the Lord we will find