CINXE.COM

<!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 9:16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" she says to him who lacks judgment.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/9-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_09_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 9:16 - The Way of Folly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! she says to him who lacks judgment." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/9-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/9-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/9-15.htm" title="Proverbs 9:15">◄</a> Proverbs 9:16 <a href="/proverbs/9-17.htm" title="Proverbs 9:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Let all who are simple come to my house!&#8221 To those who have no sense she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Whoso <i>is</i> simple, let him turn in hither: and <i>as for</i> him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Whoever <i>is</i> simple, let him turn in here”; And <i>as for</i> him who lacks understanding, she says to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” And to him who lacks understanding she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,&#8221 And to him who lacks understanding she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” And to him who lacks understanding she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here,” And to him who lacks a heart <i>of wisdom</i> she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Whoever is naive <i>or</i> inexperienced, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks understanding (common sense), she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Whoever is inexperienced, enter here! ” To the one who lacks sense, she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!&#8221 To the one who lacks sense, she says,&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"If you are stupid, come on inside!" And to every fool she says, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Whoever is gullible turn in here!" She says to a person without sense,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Come in, ignorant people!" To the foolish she says, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Whoever is na锟絭e, turn in here!" And to anyone lacking sense, she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!? she says to him who lacks judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here," she says to those who lack understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whoever is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Who [is] simple? Let him turn aside here.” And whoever lacks heart—she said to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Who is simple? let him turn aside hither.' And whoso lacketh heart -- she said to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Who is simple, he shall turn aside here: and he wanting heart, and she said to him,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that is a little one, let him turn to me. And to the fool she said: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“Whoever is little, let him turn aside to me.” And to the frenzied, she said,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Let those who are naive turn in here, to those who lack sense I say, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“You who are simple, turn in here!” And to those without sense she says,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />She says, He who is simple, let him come to me; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Who is it that is simple? Let him come to me, and he that is deficient in his mind. And one says to her:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Whoso is thoughtless, let him turn in hither'; And as for him that lacketh understanding, she saith to him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>saying</i>, Whoso is most senseless of you, let him turn aside to me; and I exhort those that want prudence, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/9-16.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=1636" 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 Folly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>calling out to those who pass by, who make their paths straight. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî- (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“Whoever</a> <a href="/hebrew/6612.htm" title="6612: p̄e·ṯî (N-ms) -- Simple, perhaps open-minded. Or pethiy; or pthaeiy; from pathah; silly.">is simple,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: yā·sur (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">let him turn in</a> <a href="/hebrew/2008.htm" title="2008: hên·nāh (Adv) -- Hither. From hen; hither or thither.">here!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mə·rāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">she says</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: wa·ḥă·sar- (Conj-w:: Adj-msc) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">who lacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">judgment.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!”…<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/7-13.htm">Proverbs 7:13-15</a></span><br />She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: / “I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows. / So I came out to meet you; I sought you, and I have found you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Proverbs 6:24-26</a></span><br />to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. / Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. / For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Proverbs 2:16-19</a></span><br />It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words / who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. / For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Proverbs 5:3-6</a></span><br />Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, / in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. / Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Proverbs 7:21-23</a></span><br />With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. / He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, / until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare—not knowing it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-27.htm">Proverbs 23:27-28</a></span><br />For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well. / Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-14.htm">Proverbs 22:14</a></span><br />The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20</a></span><br />Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-5.htm">Proverbs 7:5</a></span><br />that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">2 Peter 2:18-19</a></span><br />With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. / They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">1 Timothy 5:6</a></span><br />But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">2 Timothy 3:6-7</a></span><br />They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions, / who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/17-1.htm">Revelation 17:1-2</a></span><br />Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. / The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a></span><br />But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whoever is simple, let him turn in here: and as for him that wants understanding, she said to him,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Wanteth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-7.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-14.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Wanteth</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!</b><br>This phrase is a call to the "simple," a term often used in Proverbs to describe those who are naive or inexperienced in wisdom. The invitation is reminiscent of the call of Lady Wisdom earlier in <a href="/proverbs/9.htm">Proverbs 9</a>, highlighting the contrast between wisdom and folly. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the "simple" were those who had not yet committed to a path of wisdom or folly, making them susceptible to influence. This call is an appeal to those who are undecided, urging them to choose a path. The phrase echoes the broader biblical theme of choosing between two paths, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a>, where the Israelites are urged to choose life over death.<p><b>She says to him who lacks judgment.</b><br>The speaker here is personified folly, contrasting with Lady Wisdom. The "lack of judgment" refers to a deficiency in discernment and understanding, a common theme in Proverbs where wisdom is equated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). This lack of judgment makes individuals vulnerable to deception and poor choices. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on wisdom as a means of living a righteous and prosperous life, aligning with God's covenantal laws. The call to those who lack judgment is a warning about the dangers of ignoring wisdom, which is a recurring theme throughout the wisdom literature. This phrase also connects to the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the embodiment of wisdom (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>), offering true discernment and understanding to those who follow Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_simple.htm">The Simple</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the "simple" refers to those who are naive or inexperienced, lacking wisdom and discernment. They are often depicted as being easily led astray due to their lack of understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_woman_folly.htm">The Woman Folly</a></b><br>Proverbs 9 contrasts two women: Wisdom and Folly. In this verse, it is Folly who is calling out to the simple. She represents foolishness and the seductive allure of sin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_folly.htm">The House of Folly</a></b><br>This is the metaphorical place where Folly invites the simple. It symbolizes the path of foolishness and sin, which leads to destruction.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_invitation.htm">The Invitation</a></b><br>The act of calling out to the simple is an event that signifies the constant presence of temptation and the choices individuals must make between wisdom and folly.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lack_of_judgment.htm">The Lack of Judgment</a></b><br>This phrase highlights the condition of those who are simple. It underscores their vulnerability to making poor decisions due to their lack of discernment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_simplicity.htm">The Danger of Simplicity</a></b><br>Being simple or naive is not a neutral state; it makes one susceptible to the allure of folly. Christians are called to grow in wisdom and understanding to avoid being led astray.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_of_folly.htm">The Call of Folly</a></b><br>Folly is persistent and appealing, often disguising itself as something desirable. Believers must be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the voice of folly and rejecting it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>Discernment is crucial for making wise choices. Christians should seek God's wisdom through prayer and study of the Scriptures to develop sound judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_choices.htm">The Consequences of Choices</a></b><br>The choices between wisdom and folly have significant consequences. Choosing folly leads to destruction, while choosing wisdom leads to life and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_wisdom.htm">Seeking Wisdom</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to actively seek wisdom, understanding that it is a gift from God. Engaging with the Word and seeking counsel from mature Christians are practical steps in this pursuit.<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/define_lovingkindness..htm">What does 'God is just' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_earth's_four_corners.htm">What is Luther's Small Catechism's purpose and content?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_use_personification_over_concrete_proof.htm">Proverbs 9:13-18 presents Folly as another woman calling out to the naive. Why rely on personification instead of providing concrete historical or scientific validations for these moral teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_luck.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on luck?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">Whoso is simple </span>. . .--She imitates Wisdom closely in her address: Satan, too, transforms himself into an "angel of light" (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm" title="And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.">2Corinthians 11:14</a>). Folly attracts those undecided characters who are in the right track, but have not the constancy to persevere in it; who, "in time of temptation, fall away."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 16, 17.</span> - These verses contain the invitation which Vice, in imitation of Virtue, and assuming her voice and manner, offers to the wayfarers. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither.</span> She uses the very same words which Wisdom utters (ver. 4). The latter had addressed the simple because they were inexperienced and undecided, and might be guided aright; the former now speaks to them because they have not vet made their final choice, can still be swayed by lower considerations, and may be led astray. Such persons find it hard to distinguish between the good and the evil, the false and the true, especially when their sensual appetite is aroused and sides with the temptress. No marvel is it that such are easily deceived; for we are told that, under certain circumstances, Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">2 Corinthians 11:14</a>). <span class="cmt_word">That wanteth understanding.</span> This is the other class addressed by Wisdom, and which Folly now solicits, urging them to follow her on the path of pleasure, promising sensual enjoyment and security. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/9-16.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">“Whoever</span><br /><span class="heb">מִי־</span> <span class="translit">(mî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] simple,</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶ֭תִי</span> <span class="translit">(p̄e·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<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">let him turn in</span><br /><span class="heb">יָסֻ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(yā·sur)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">here!”</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵ֑נָּה</span> <span class="translit">(hên·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2008.htm">Strong's 2008: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hither, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">To him who lacks</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲסַר־</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·sar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">Needy, lacking, in want of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judgment</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֝֗ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she says:</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָ֣מְרָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·mə·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:16 Whoever is simple let him turn (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/9-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 9:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 9:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/9-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 9:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 9:17" /></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>