Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

In response to a question about why wisdom and folly are consistently depicted as feminine in biblical books such as Proverbs, Wisdom of Solomon, and Sirach, a recent explanation addresses both the linguistic and cultural reasons behind this literary choice.

Passages from these books often use female pronouns and imagery when describing wisdom and folly. For example, Proverbs states: “She [wisdom] is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed” (Prov 3:15, 18). Another passage says, “Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing” (Prov 9:1, 13). Similar references appear in Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach.

The explanation notes that this pattern reflects the Bible’s use of personification—attributing human qualities to abstract ideas—to make concepts like wisdom and folly more vivid for readers. “Wisdom and folly in these passages are not actual persons, but are abstract qualities represented in human form as a means of animating and intensifying their appeal,” the answer states.

A significant reason for the feminine depiction comes from grammar in the Bible’s original languages. Both ‘wisdom’ and ‘folly’ are feminine nouns in Hebrew and Greek. As a result, pronouns such as ‘she’ or ‘her’ are used purely due to grammatical rules rather than any intent to suggest that these qualities apply more to women than men. The text clarifies: “That wisdom and folly are feminine nouns in Hebrew and Greek does not imply that these qualities apply more to women than to men. Grammatical conventions of this sort have nothing to do with gender stereotyping.”

Culturally, the explanation suggests that presenting wisdom as an attractive woman could be an effective way for biblical authors—often writing as fathers instructing sons—to encourage pursuit of virtue. It reads: “Nothing quite charms the heart of a young man like an attractive woman. The feminine may be chosen to heighten the element of appeal.” By depicting wisdom as desirable yet virtuous, while portraying folly as dangerously alluring but ultimately destructive, biblical texts aim to guide readers toward wise choices.

The response also emphasizes that these literary devices do not preclude later Christian teachings that identify Jesus with divine wisdom: “That Jesus embodies the finest virtues of Lady Wisdom does not diminish or compromise his masculinity.” It concludes by cautioning against drawing conclusions about contemporary gender roles from these ancient linguistic conventions.