Topical Bible: Women: Wicked: Silly and Wayward

◄ Women: Wicked: Silly and Wayward ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, women who are described as wicked, silly, and wayward serve as cautionary figures, illustrating the consequences of straying from God's commandments and wisdom. These women are often depicted as lacking discernment and engaging in behaviors that lead themselves and others away from righteousness.

Proverbs and Folly

The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, often personifying folly as a woman who is wayward and lacking in sense. Proverbs 9:13 states, "The woman named Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing." This depiction serves as a warning against the allure of foolishness and the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding.

Jezebel: A Paradigm of Wickedness

Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, is one of the most infamous examples of a wicked woman in the Bible. Her account is recounted in 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where she is portrayed as a manipulative and idolatrous queen who led Israel into sin. Her actions, including the persecution of prophets and the promotion of Baal worship, exemplify the destructive influence of a wayward woman. In Revelation 2:20 , Jezebel is used symbolically to represent false teaching and immorality within the church: "But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols."

Delilah: Betrayal and Deception

Delilah, another figure often associated with wickedness, is known for her role in the downfall of Samson, as recorded in Judges 16. Her deceitful nature and willingness to betray Samson for personal gain highlight the dangers of aligning oneself with those who lack moral integrity. Delilah's actions serve as a reminder of the perils of trusting in those who do not adhere to God's principles.

The Adulterous Woman

Proverbs also warns against the seductive and wayward woman who leads men astray. Proverbs 7:10-12 describes her: "Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart. She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home. Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner." This portrayal underscores the spiritual and moral dangers posed by such women, urging believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their commitment to God's ways.

New Testament Warnings

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul cautions against certain behaviors and characteristics that can lead women astray. In 2 Timothy 3:6-7 , he warns of those who "worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth." This passage highlights the susceptibility of some women to false teachings and the importance of grounding oneself in sound doctrine.

Throughout Scripture, the depiction of wicked, silly, and wayward women serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wisdom, discernment, and adherence to God's commandments. These narratives encourage believers to seek righteousness and to be wary of influences that lead away from the path of truth.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 3:6
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... loose from the righteous, and stuck so close to the wicked. ... Behold me, all you that
are men and women of a ... one that so much as looked any thing this wayward. ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm