A Prayer for Wisdom and Discernment
"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell." - Proverbs 9:13-18

O Lord, full of wisdom and grace, we come before You today recognizing the profound depth and insight found in Your Word, especially in the teachings of Proverbs. We humbly seek Your guidance as we reflect upon Proverbs 9:13-18. It is a sobering reminder of the traps and pitfalls that the foolish can lay before us, and we ask for discernment to identify and resist them.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that Your Word speaks of a foolish woman who is clamorous, a woman who embodies simplicity and ignorance. As we meditate on the phrase, "A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing," let us be ever vigilant against foolishness in our own lives and choices. Grant us the wisdom to discern when we are being influenced by clamorous voices that seek to lead us astray. Help us to identify the noise in our lives that can drown out Your still, small voice.
We pray for the wisdom to recognize and avoid the places where such foolishness congregates. The proverb describes her seated in high places of the city, calling to passersby. Lord, let us not be swept up by the allure of popularity or the deceptive calls of those who engage in sinful behavior. Help us to stand firm on the foundation of truth laid out in Your Holy Scriptures.
"To call passengers who go right on their ways," the verse continues. Let us be encouraged to remain steadfast in our paths. May we always seek righteousness and understanding in our journeys and not be diverted by the temptations of this world. Guide us, O Lord, to recognize the simplicity of the call of foolishness. It may seem appealing and harmless, yet it leads to destruction.
Our hearts, Lord, are burdened by the allure of "stolen waters" and "bread eaten in secret". It is so easy to be swayed by the belief that these hidden paths are sweet and enjoyable. We ask for Your divine clarity to understand that what seems enticing may be tainted with sin. Help us to remember that the pleasures of sin are fleeting and lead to death. Teach us to value the nourishment that comes from righteousness and to seek sustenance in Your will rather than in what is forbidden.
As we go through life, let us not forget the warning of this passage. May we often reflect on the sobering truth: "But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell." Unlock our understanding, Lord, and help us to see beyond the superficial charm of sinful pleasures. Awaken us to the reality that every choice has consequences—both seen and unseen. Protect us from being blind to the presence of death that lurks hidden in the shadows of temptation.
Lord, help us to be wise in our decisions and discerning in our relationships. Surround us with godly friends who will encourage us in our pursuit of wisdom. Let our hearts seek true understanding and knowledge that comes from above. Whenever we find ourselves wandering, Lord, gently lead us back to You.
We ask for Your strength and courage to say no to the foolishness that seeks to ensnare us. Equip us with armor to defend against the lies of the enemy, the clamorous voices that distort truth and values.
In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we submit this prayer, trusting in Your promise to bless those who seek wisdom and understanding. Amen.
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Proverbs 9:13-18 Artwork
Proverbs 9:13-18 - "A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell." - Proverbs 9:13-18
Proverbs 9:13 - "A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing."
"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing." - Proverbs 9:13
Proverbs 9:18 - "But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
Proverbs 3:13-18 – "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding."
Proverbs 18:9 - "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster."
Proverbs 18:13 - "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."
Proverbs 13:9 - "The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out."
Proverbs 13:18 - "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured."
"But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell." - Proverbs 9:18
"The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out." - Proverbs 13:9
"He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster." - Proverbs 18:9
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." - Proverbs 18:13
"Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured." - Proverbs 13:18
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 9:16-18 - "Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
Proverbs 18:18 - "The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty."
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