Proverbs Chapter 9 · Verse 16
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
Original Language Analysis
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
הֵ֑נָּה
H2008
לֵ֝֗ב
understanding
H3820
לֵ֝֗ב
understanding
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Historical Context
Joshua challenged Israel: 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve' (Joshua 24:15). Elijah confronted: 'How long halt ye between two opinions?' (1 Kings 18:21). Jesus taught: 'He that is not with me is against me' (Matthew 12:30). Throughout Scripture, neutrality is impossible. The simple must actively choose wisdom or passively default to folly. No middle ground exists.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you remaining 'simple' - uncommitted between wisdom and folly?
- How does recognizing that passivity defaults to folly motivate active choice for wisdom?
- What decision for wisdom are you delaying that requires immediate commitment?
Analysis & Commentary
Whoever is simple, let him turn in here. Identically to Wisdom's invitation (9:4), Folly addresses the simple. The Hebrew 'pethiy' (simple/naive) describes the undecided, gullible, easily swayed. Both wisdom and folly target the same audience - those not yet committed. The simple must choose between competing invitations. Neutrality isn't option; passivity defaults to folly. Active choice for wisdom is required.