#1332. Proverbs 9:13-18 – Folly’s Deceptive Invitation (19/8/25)
- Matt Beaney
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, from Proverbs 9:13-18, we reflect on how sin and foolishness are active to deceive and draw us into destruction.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
‘Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.’ (Proverbs 9:13-18)
After showing us the rewards of rightly fearing God and living a life of worship, Proverbs now gives us the opposite picture. Once again, the teaching is personified: earlier in the chapter (vv. 1–6), wisdom was portrayed as a woman calling people to a feast that brings life and joy. Now, folly is also personified as a woman—but one whose feast leads to death.
Wisdom invites us to her banquet of life, offering satisfaction, joy, and insight. Whatever the world may say about goodness being dull or restrictive, God's wisdom brings lasting fulfilment.
But now, we meet Lady Folly. She also calls out—calling even to those who are simply “going straight on their way.” Temptation can come unexpectedly, trying to pull us off course. Her message? “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” Her appeal is to the flesh—to our sinful nature—and the allure of what is forbidden.
Paul speaks of this dynamic in Romans 7:
‘But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.’ (Romans 7:8-10)
Paul’s point is that our sinful nature reacts against God's good commands. The very idea of something being “off limits” stirs up desire. That’s how sin works—even in Christians. The enemy uses “stolen water” and secrecy to make sin look sweet.
We must be alert to this dynamic and not deceive ourselves. The temptation to secrecy, to hidden indulgence, to things “no one will find out about,” is real—but so are the consequences. As Proverbs says, “Little do they know that the dead are there.”
A call to respond
So, how are we living?
Are we drinking stolen water in secret?
Are we seeking satisfaction in sin?
Is there an area of temptation you’re facing right now?
Is there something you need to confess—not to someone who will excuse it, but to a trusted friend who will help you walk in the light?
And just as importantly: are you feasting on your relationship with Jesus? Long-term faithfulness and spiritual health flow from a deep, joy-filled relationship with Him. When we’re satisfied in Christ, the counterfeit loses its appeal.
Let’s pray together:
“Lord Jesus, keep me from evil and temptation. As I’ve read, so I confess: ‘For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.’ I reaffirm that walking in the flesh is not the path to joy. I choose to walk in step with You, Holy Spirit. Lead me in wisdom. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
Week #11: Proverbs 9:10-10:14. Leave a worthy legacy
1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?
2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.
3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?
4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.
5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
6. Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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