The Two Invitations in Proverbs 9 offer Wisdom’s Call and Folly’s Trap
‘Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.’ — Proverbs 9:1–2
Two Voices; One Choice
Proverbs 9 paints a vivid picture of two women—let’s call them Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly—each calling out to passersby.
One offers life, the other leads to death.
This isn’t just a poetic metaphor—rather, it’s the daily reality we all face.
Because in every decision, of every moment, in every day – there is an invitation to chose either wisely or foolishly.
But I thought of a third lady we might include in the reflection on this proverb.
Lady Prudence, let’s call her a sister of Lady Wisdom.
1. Lady Wisdom Builds, Prepares, and Invites
She builds her house with seven pillars—on a sound foundation, it is strong and stable.
Lady Wisdom prepares a feast there and sends out her invitation to those who are willing to grow.
Modern Example of Wisdom:
- A young professional chooses to live below their means, save diligently, and invest in their education rather than chasing status or instant gratification.
- A parent sets boundaries for their children—not out of control, but out of love—teaching them discipline and respect in a world that often rewards rebellion.
The meaning is Wisdom isn’t flashy. It’s foundational.
It builds slowly but surely.
It feeds the soul and strengthens the future.
2. Lady Prudence Is Wisdom in Action
Verse 6 says, “Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
Lady Prudence is the ability to think ahead, to weigh consequences, to act with care.
Modern Example of Prudence:
- Someone facing conflict at work chooses to pause and reflect rather than reacting in anger.
- A teenager decides not to follow the crowd into a risky situation, even when it costs them popularity.
Meaning, prudence is not weakness—it’s strength under control. It’s wisdom with legs.
3. Lady Folly Is Loud, Seductive, and Deadly
She is brash and persuasive. Lady Folly offers stolen water and secret bread—quick thrills with hidden costs.
Modern Example of Folly:
- Scrolling endlessly through social media, comparing life to curated illusions, and letting envy shape self-worth.
- Taking on debt to maintain appearances, buying things not needed, to impress people who aren’t even paying attention to us.
Today, we can see folly all around us. It’s in the adverts we see, the influencers we follow, the voices that say; ‘You deserve this, and deserve it now.’
But the meaning of Proverbs 9 is; this is not the way of true growth.
Conclusion: Choose Wisdom + Prudence
Cultivating wisdom and prudence in modern life is about forming habits, relationships, and rhythms that shape how we think, speak, and act.
These traits grow slowly, like trees planted in the soil of daily choices.
They aren’t flashy moves—but they build a life of depth, peace, and purpose.
Imagine someone who:
- Turns down a high-paying job because it would destroy their family life (Wisdom).
- Builds a budget and sticks to it, even when tempted to splurge (Prudence).
- Chooses to forgive rather than retaliate (Wisdom).
- Waits to speak until emotions settle (Prudence).
The amazing thing is, Lady Wisdom and her sister Prudence still call out to each one of us today; they call us to understand these eternal truths.
They are not hiding; not exclusive.
They invite us to a life of depth, discernment, and peace.
In a world that celebrates speed, noise, and indulgence, Lady Wisdom whispers: ‘Come. Sit. Learn. Live.’
Whilst Lady Prudence cautions us to ‘Be As Wise as Serpents and as Innocent as Doves.
And in Christ, we see the fullness of both wisdom and prudence.
As Paul wrote in Colossians 2:3, ‘In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’
So today, in a fast-moving modern world, with much political and financial uncertainty.
The words of this proverb are as invaluable and relevant as ever,
for those who choose Wisdom and Prudence to guide them
on the straight and narrow road to life eternal.
