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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 9:4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" she says to him who lacks judgment.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/9-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_09_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 9:4 - The Way of Wisdom" /><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/9-4.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/9-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/9-3.htm" title="Proverbs 9:3">◄</a> Proverbs 9:4 <a href="/proverbs/9-5.htm" title="Proverbs 9:5">►</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!” 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: <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!” <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!” 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 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!” 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!” 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!” As for him who lacks understanding, 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: 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 />"Everyone who is ignorant or foolish is invited! <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: 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!" And 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 />"Let whoever is na锟絭e, turn in here." 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 naive, 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: 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.” Whoever lacks heart: she has 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.' Whoso lacketh heart: she hath 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 the simple, he shall turn aside here: he wanting heart, 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 />Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me. And to the unwise she said: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“If anyone is little, let him come to me.” And to the unwise, she has said:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Let whoever is naive turn in here; to any 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 that are simple, turn in here!” 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 />Whosoever is simple, let him come to me; as for him who lacks understanding, she said 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 simpleminded? Let him come to me, and whoever lacks his mind; And he said to him:<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'; 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 />Whoso is foolish, let him turn aside to me: and to them that want understanding she says,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/9-4.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=1554" 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">3</span>She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. <span class="reftext">4</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: ’ā·mə·rāh (V-Qal-Perf-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: ḥă·sar- (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">5</span>“Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.…<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="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Isaiah 55:1</a></span><br />“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-9.htm">Matthew 22:9</a></span><br />Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-21.htm">Luke 14:21-23</a></span><br />The servant returned and reported all this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ / ‘Sir,’ the servant replied, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ / So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-17.htm">Revelation 22:17</a></span><br />The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-37.htm">John 7:37</a></span><br />On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26-27</a></span><br />Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a></span><br />“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9-10</a></span><br />But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-3.htm">Jeremiah 31:3</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-13.htm">Romans 10:13</a></span><br />for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a></span><br />And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.</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: as for him that wants understanding, she said to him,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16</a></b></br> Whoso <i>is</i> simple, let him turn in hither: and <i>as for</i> him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22</a></b></br> How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a></b></br> <i>But</i> whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he <i>that</i> doeth it destroyeth his own soul.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/81-2.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-20.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-25.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Void</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-8.htm">Wanteth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.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 an invitation from Wisdom, personified as a woman, calling out to those who are "simple." In the biblical context, "simple" refers to those who are naive or inexperienced, lacking in understanding or discernment. This invitation is significant as it reflects the open and accessible nature of divine wisdom, which is available to all who seek it. The call to "turn in here" suggests a change of direction or repentance, a common theme throughout Scripture where turning towards God leads to life and understanding. This echoes the call of Jesus in the New Testament, who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a>).<p><b>She says to him who lacks judgment.</b><br>The phrase "lacks judgment" further describes the intended audience of Wisdom's call. It highlights a deficiency in discernment or the ability to make sound decisions. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued and seen as essential for living a righteous and prosperous life. The lack of judgment is not a permanent state but one that can be remedied by heeding Wisdom's call. This aligns with the biblical principle that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The invitation to those lacking judgment is a reminder of God's grace and willingness to impart wisdom to those who seek it earnestly. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>), offering Himself as the ultimate source of truth and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>Personified as a woman calling out to the simple and those lacking judgment. In the context of Proverbs, Wisdom is often depicted as a guiding and nurturing figure, offering insight and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_simple.htm">The Simple</a></b><br>Refers to those who are naive or inexperienced, lacking in wisdom and discernment. In Hebrew, the word "simple" (pethi) suggests an openness to influence, whether good or bad.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_wisdom.htm">The House of Wisdom</a></b><br>Implied as the place where Wisdom invites the simple to come and learn. It symbolizes a place of learning, growth, and understanding.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_invitation.htm">The Invitation</a></b><br>The act of calling out to the simple, representing the proactive nature of Wisdom in seeking to impart knowledge and understanding.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lack_of_judgment.htm">The Lack of Judgment</a></b><br>Describes those who are without discernment or understanding, highlighting the need for guidance and instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_of_wisdom.htm">The Call of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom actively seeks out those who are simple and lacking judgment. This demonstrates God's desire for all to grow in understanding and discernment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/openness_to_learning.htm">Openness to Learning</a></b><br>Being "simple" is not inherently negative; it represents an opportunity for growth. We should remain open to learning and gaining wisdom from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>Lacking judgment can lead to poor decisions. Seeking wisdom helps us develop discernment, which is crucial for navigating life's challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_the_invitation.htm">Responding to the Invitation</a></b><br>Just as Wisdom calls out, we must choose to respond. This requires humility and a willingness to admit our need for guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom's_accessibility.htm">Wisdom's Accessibility</a></b><br>Wisdom is accessible to all who seek it. We should be encouraged that God provides the wisdom we need when we ask in faith.<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/what_does_'sanctify_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does 'Stolen Water is Sweet' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_spare_nineveh_but_not_the_plant.htm">Jonah 4:9 - Why does God confront Jonah about his anger over the withered plant yet spare Nineveh, seeming inconsistent with other punitive Bible narratives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_event_explains_wormwood's_bitter_waters.htm">In Revelation 8:10-11, what real-world event could explain a star named Wormwood making waters bitter and causing widespread death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_king_solomon_considered_saved.htm">Is King Solomon considered saved?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">Whoso is simple . . . as for him that wanteth understanding.--</span>So God does not call many "wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble" (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm" title="For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:">1Corinthians 1:26</a>); but chooses the "foolish," "weak," and "base," whom man might overlook; not being willing that any should perish (<a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm" title="The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.">2Peter 3:9</a>), especially His "little ones" (<a href="/matthew/18-14.htm" title="Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.">Matthew 18:14</a>). who are liable to fall through their inexperience and want of judgment.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4-12.</span> - Here follows the invitation of Wisdom, urging the attendance of guests at the sumptuous banquet which she has prepared (comp. <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm">Revelation 19:9</a>). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whose is simple, lot him turn in hither.</span> This is a direct address to the imprudent and inexperienced (see on Proverbs 7:7), calling them to turn aside from the way on which they are going, and to come to her. Vulgate, <span class="accented">si quis est parvulus veniat ad me</span>, which reminds one of Christ's tender words, "It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish" (<a href="/matthew/18-14.htm">Matthew 18:14</a>). <span class="cmt_word">As for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him what follows</span> (so ver. 16). Wisdom's own speech is interrupted, and the writer himself introduces this little clause. She calls on the simple and the unwise, both as necessarily needing her teaching, and not yet inveterate in evil, nor wilfully opposed to better guidance. "The world by wisdom knew not God" and he "hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen" (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21, 26</a>, etc.; comp. <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/9-4.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">חֲסַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·sar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">אָ֣מְרָה</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mə·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - 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/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/9-4.htm">Proverbs 9:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:4 Whoever is simple let him turn (Prov. 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