Simple or Stupid?

(Proverbs 9:13 KJV)  A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

What is a “foolish woman” (woman of folly NASB)?  Don’t put too much on the woman part.  If you compare this section of chapter 9 with the first part, both are using the feminine.  The first is referring to wisdom the second to foolishness.

In the English you have the same word used in both places, but this is a different word for “foolish” (folly NASB) (3687) than is used in verse 6.  There it means naive and simple.  This one has its roots in being stupid.

Two things for those who are seeking wisdom.  First, be on the alert for the stupid in life.  They exist.  If you are not careful they will drag you down.  Have you ever been driving and far ahead you pick out a car and know by observation that the person behind the wheel doesn’t know what they are doing?  You can tell.

Second, these people need your help.  They may not always respond.  You may not always be able to pull their chestnuts out of the fire.  Do what you can.

So?  I hope you are alert to those around you.  Some are simply uniformed, the ignorant.  Some may be beyond help.  Pray for wisdom to know the difference.  Pray for grace to not be either.