"For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city," Proverbs 9:14

It is again important for us to remind ourselves that these verses describing the foolish woman do not stand alone. They are to be considered against the back drop of the first five verses of this chapter. Do not forget the comparison/contrast that is intended here. We learn two things about the character of a fool in this single verse.

1. She sits at the door of her house. The picture that we find here is of one who is idol, lazy, and unproductive. When we contrast this with the character of wisdom in the first three verses, we find that it could hardly be more extreme. Wisdom has built her house, hewn out her seven pillars, killed her beast, mingled her wine, furnished her table, and sent forth her maidens. Wisdom discovers what needs to be done, and then begins to do it. Foolishness discovers what needs to be done, and then begins to wait for someone else to do it, or a more convenient time. If you live a lazy, idol, unproductive life, this is a reflection on your cold or dead spiritual state. We live in a culture that tries to normalize the lifestyle of a lounging, TV watching, video game playing, time-wasting existence. There is nothing wrong with relaxing in its appropriate setting. But to make this your primary lifestyle is to live the existence of a fool. It is worth noting, you will be hard pressed find an idol, unproductive person who has true joy and contentment in their life.
2. She sits in the high places of the city. This carries with it the idea that this woman thinks of herself as an authority. This seat of prominence is not given to her; she takes it upon herself to occupy it. Here we find that humility has been ignored, and a spirit of self-esteem fueled pride has been embraced. Foolishness is very sure of herself. Foolishness is always ready to give advice and has little regard or knowledge as to how that advice correlates with the scriptures, as long as it sounds good and makes sense. Foolishness will make you feel good about yourself and convince you that you too should be in a place of prominence. Foolishness is a self-appointed source of wisdom. If you are neglecting or disregarding the reading and applying of God’s word, you too are embracing your own self-appointed wisdom, and becoming more and more foolish by the day.