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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/9-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/20_Pro_09_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 9:6 - The Way of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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walk in the way of insight.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Abandon <i>your</i> foolishness and live, And proceed in the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Forsake your folly and live, And proceed in the way of understanding.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Forsake <i>your</i> folly and live, And proceed in the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Forsake <i>your</i> simplicity and live, And step into the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Leave [behind] your foolishness [and the foolish] and live, And walk in the way of insight <i>and</i> understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you want to live, give up your foolishness and let understanding guide your steps." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; and walk in the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Stop being gullible and live. Start traveling the road to understanding."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Leave the company of ignorant people, and live. Follow the way of knowledge." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Leave your na锟絭e ways, and live. Walk in the path of understanding."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abandon your foolish ways so that you may live, and proceed in the way of understanding." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Forsake the simple and live, "" And be blessed in the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Forsake ye, the simple, and live, And be happy in the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Forsake ye the foolish, and live; and go straight in the way of understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Forsake childishness, and live, and walk by the ways of prudence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Leave behind childishness. And live and walk by the ways of prudence.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Forsake foolishness that you may live; advance in the way of understanding.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Forsake folly, and live; and go in the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Put off from you the deficiency of your mind, and live, and agree with the way of uprightness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Forsake all thoughtlessness, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Leave folly, that ye may reign for ever; and seek wisdom, and improve understanding by knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/9-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1565" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/9.htm">The Way of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>“Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6612.htm" title="6612: p̄ə·ṯā·yim (N-mp) -- Simple, perhaps open-minded. Or pethiy; or pthaeiy; from pathah; silly.">Leave your folly</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ‘iz·ḇū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">behind,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wiḥ·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">and you will live;</a> <a href="/hebrew/833.htm" title="833: wə·’iš·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go straight, go on, advance. Or rasher; a primitive root; to be straight; figuratively, to go forward, be honest, proper.">walk</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bə·ḏe·reḵ (Prep-b:: N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">in the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/998.htm" title="998: bî·nāh (N-fs) -- An understanding. From biyn; understanding.">of understanding.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14-15</a></span><br />Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22-23</a></span><br />“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? / If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a></span><br />Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5</a></span><br />O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18</a></span><br />Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17</a></span><br />The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Proverbs 19:27</a></span><br />If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-17.htm">2 Corinthians 6:17</a></span><br />“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3</a></span><br />The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a></span><br />Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Proverbs 23:19</a></span><br />Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right course.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.</p><p class="hdg">forsake</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14,15</a></b></br> Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil <i>men</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a></b></br> He that walketh with wise <i>men</i> shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/26-4.htm">Psalm 26:4-6</a></b></br> I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers… </p><p class="hdg">in</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Proverbs 4:11</a></b></br> I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Proverbs 10:17</a></b></br> He <i>is in</i> the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13,14</a></b></br> Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide <i>is</i> the gate, and broad <i>is</i> the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/73-7.htm">Follies</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-23.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Insight</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Thoughtlessness</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-20.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-32.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/73-7.htm">Follies</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-10.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-21.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Insight</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-11.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Thoughtlessness</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-15.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/9-1.htm">The discipline</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">and the doctrine of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">The custom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">and error of folly</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the biblical context, folly is often associated with moral and spiritual ignorance, a rejection of God's wisdom. Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, urging readers to choose wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7, 3</a>:35). The call to leave folly is akin to repentance, a turning away from sin and ignorance towards God. Historically, the Israelites were often admonished by prophets to forsake their foolish ways and return to the covenant (<a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a>). This phrase echoes the call to transformation found in the New Testament, where believers are urged to put off the old self and embrace a new life in Christ (<a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a>).<p><b>and you will live</b><br>The promise of life is a central theme in Scripture, often linked to obedience and wisdom. In Proverbs, life is not merely physical existence but a quality of life characterized by peace, prosperity, and divine favor (<a href="/proverbs/3.htm">Proverbs 3:1-2, 4</a>:10). This promise reflects the covenantal blessings promised to Israel for obedience (<a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19-20</a>). In a broader theological sense, this life points to eternal life, a theme fully realized in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who offers life abundantly (<a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>) and eternal life to those who believe in Him (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>).<p><b>walk in the way of understanding</b><br>Walking in the way of understanding implies a continuous, deliberate journey in wisdom. In biblical literature, "walking" often symbolizes one's conduct or lifestyle (<a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>, <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>). Understanding here is more than intellectual knowledge; it is a deep, spiritual insight that aligns with God's will. The "way" suggests a path or direction, reminiscent of the "way" of the righteous contrasted with the "way" of the wicked in <a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1</a>. This path of understanding is illuminated by God's Word (<a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>) and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). The call to walk in understanding is an invitation to live a life guided by divine wisdom, leading to spiritual maturity and fulfillment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>Personified as a woman in Proverbs, Wisdom calls out to the simple and the foolish, inviting them to leave their folly and embrace understanding.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/folly.htm">Folly</a></b><br>Represents foolishness or lack of good judgment. In Proverbs, folly is often depicted as the opposite of wisdom, leading to destruction.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_simple.htm">The Simple</a></b><br>Refers to those who are naive or inexperienced, often lacking discernment and easily led astray.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_way_of_understanding.htm">The Way of Understanding</a></b><br>A metaphorical path representing a life guided by wisdom, discernment, and the fear of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_abandon_folly.htm">The Call to Abandon Folly</a></b><br>The verse urges believers to consciously leave behind foolish behaviors and decisions. This requires a deliberate choice to reject what is contrary to God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_promise_of_life.htm">The Promise of Life</a></b><br>Embracing wisdom and understanding leads to a fuller, more meaningful life. This is not just about physical longevity but a life enriched by God's guidance and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/walking_in_understanding.htm">Walking in Understanding</a></b><br>Walking implies ongoing action and commitment. Believers are encouraged to continually seek and apply understanding in their daily lives, aligning their actions with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discernment.htm">The Role of Discernment</a></b><br>Discernment is crucial in distinguishing between wisdom and folly. Believers should cultivate discernment through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from mature Christians.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community.htm">The Importance of Community</a></b><br>Engaging with a community of believers can provide support and accountability in the pursuit of wisdom. Fellowship with others who value wisdom can help reinforce wise choices.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_'foolishness'_defined_today.htm">Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can “foolishness” be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_life_advice_does_proverbs_give.htm">What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_poetic_books_of_the_bible.htm">What wisdom and teachings do the Ketuvim offer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'spare_the_rod'_mean.htm">What does 'spare the rod, spoil the child' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Forsake the foolish.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">the simple</span>; be no longer counted among the weak, who can be "carried about with every wind of doctrine" (<a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm" title="That we from now on be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;">Ephesians 4:14</a>), but "stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm" title="Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.">1Corinthians 16:13</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Forsake the foolish, and live;</span> Vulgate, <span class="accented">relinquite infantiam</span>; Septuagint, <span class="greek">ἀπολείπετε ἀφροσύνην</span>, "leave folly." These versions take the plural <span class="hebrew">פְתָאִים</span> (<span class="accented">petaim</span>) as equivalent to an abstract noun, which gives a good sense; but the plural is not so used in our book, so we must admit the rendering of the Authorized Version, "Quit the class, give up being of the category of fools," or else we must take the word as vocative, "Leave off, ye simple ones" (Revised Version), <span class="accented">i.e.</span> quit your simplicity, your folly. <span class="accented">And live</span> (see on Proverbs 4:4). It is not a mere prosperous life on earth that is here promised, but something far higher and better (<a href="/john/6-51.htm">John 6:51</a>, "If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever"). The LXX. saw something of this when they paraphrased the clause, "Leave ye folly, that ye may reign forever." <span class="cmt_word">Go in the way of understanding.</span> Leaving folly, stay not, but make real progress in the direction of wisdom. Septuagint, "Seek ye prudence, and direct understanding by knowledge." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/9-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Leave your folly</span><br /><span class="heb">פְתָאיִ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·ṯā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6612.htm">Strong's 6612: </a> </span><span class="str2">Simple, perhaps open-minded</span><br /><br /><span class="word">behind,</span><br /><span class="heb">עִזְב֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘iz·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and you will live;</span><br /><span class="heb">וִֽחְי֑וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wiḥ·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">walk</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝אִשְׁר֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’iš·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_833.htm">Strong's 833: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, to go forward, be honest, proper</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the way</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḏe·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of understanding.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּינָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(bî·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_998.htm">Strong's 998: </a> </span><span class="str2">An understanding</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:6 Leave your simple ways and live (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/9-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 9:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 9:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 9:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 9:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>