Proverbs 9:15
To call passengers who go right on their ways:
Original Language Analysis
לִקְרֹ֥א
To call
H7121
לִקְרֹ֥א
To call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 5
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לְעֹֽבְרֵי
passengers
H5674
לְעֹֽבְרֵי
passengers
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
2 of 5
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
דָ֑רֶךְ
H1870
דָ֑רֶךְ
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 5
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
Throughout Scripture, greatest attacks often come amid faithful obedience. Jesus faced wilderness temptation immediately after baptism (Matthew 4:1-11). Peter's denial came after confident declaration of loyalty (Luke 22:31-34). Paul's thorn in flesh accompanied 'abundance of revelations' (2 Corinthians 12:7). Expect intensified spiritual assault when walking faithfully. First Peter 5:8 warns: 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.'
Questions for Reflection
- How do you experience intensified temptation when walking faithfully?
- What folly is calling to you despite your straight path, and how do you resist?
- How can awareness that temptation targets the faithful help you persevere when attacked?
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Analysis & Commentary
Folly calls to passersby going straight on their way. The Hebrew 'qarah' (call) and 'yashar derakiym' (making straight their ways) describe her targets - those proceeding righteously. Folly doesn't only attract the obviously wayward but targets those walking rightly, attempting to divert them. Temptation often comes not when we're blatantly sinning but when we're faithfully proceeding. Spiritual warfare intensifies when we're walking well.