Proverbs 9:18 - But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Proverbs 9:18" mean?
This verse, Proverbs 9:18, is the concluding verse of a section contrasting wisdom (personified as a generous hostess inviting people to a nourishing feast) and folly (personified as a seductive woman luring people to a dangerous and ultimately deadly gathering). Let's break down the meaning:
"But he doesn’t know..." This "he" refers to the person who is being seduced by Folly. He's being lured in, thinking he's getting something desirable (perhaps pleasure, excitement, or feeling clever). He is naive and lacks discernment.
"...that the departed spirits are there..." This is the key to understanding the danger. "Departed spirits" are often interpreted as the dead, those who have already perished. This signifies that the path of folly leads to death, both literally and spiritually. The guests at Folly's table aren't enjoying a harmless party; they're already among the dead, or at least on the path to death.
"...that her guests are in the depths of Sheol." "Sheol" is the Hebrew word for the underworld, the place of the dead. It's often translated as "grave" or "hell." The "depths of Sheol" implies the deepest, darkest, most inescapable part of death. Those who are "guests" of Folly are not just close to death; they are already consumed by it. They are in the deepest part of the realm of death.
In essence, the verse means:
The person seduced by folly is unaware of the grave danger he is in. He doesn't realize that those who partake in folly are already on the path to destruction and are, in a sense, already among the dead. He's blinded to the fact that Folly's promises lead to death and ultimately, to a dark and inescapable end.
The overall message of Proverbs 9 (and Proverbs in general) is:
Choose wisdom over folly. Wisdom leads to life and prosperity, while folly leads to destruction and death. The verse serves as a stark warning against the allure of foolishness and the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding. The "pleasures" offered by folly are ultimately deadly.
Proverbs 9:18 - But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
What does "Proverbs 9:18" mean?
This verse, Proverbs 9:18, is the concluding verse of a section contrasting wisdom (personified as a generous hostess inviting people to a nourishing feast) and folly (personified as a seductive woman luring people to a dangerous and ultimately deadly gathering). Let's break down the meaning:
"But he doesn’t know..." This "he" refers to the person who is being seduced by Folly. He's being lured in, thinking he's getting something desirable (perhaps pleasure, excitement, or feeling clever). He is naive and lacks discernment.
"...that the departed spirits are there..." This is the key to understanding the danger. "Departed spirits" are often interpreted as the dead, those who have already perished. This signifies that the path of folly leads to death, both literally and spiritually. The guests at Folly's table aren't enjoying a harmless party; they're already among the dead, or at least on the path to death.
"...that her guests are in the depths of Sheol." "Sheol" is the Hebrew word for the underworld, the place of the dead. It's often translated as "grave" or "hell." The "depths of Sheol" implies the deepest, darkest, most inescapable part of death. Those who are "guests" of Folly are not just close to death; they are already consumed by it. They are in the deepest part of the realm of death.
In essence, the verse means:
The person seduced by folly is unaware of the grave danger he is in. He doesn't realize that those who partake in folly are already on the path to destruction and are, in a sense, already among the dead. He's blinded to the fact that Folly's promises lead to death and ultimately, to a dark and inescapable end.
The overall message of Proverbs 9 (and Proverbs in general) is:
Choose wisdom over folly. Wisdom leads to life and prosperity, while folly leads to destruction and death. The verse serves as a stark warning against the allure of foolishness and the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding. The "pleasures" offered by folly are ultimately deadly.