Proverbs 9:4
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: 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
Cross References
Proverbs 6:32But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.Proverbs 9:16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,Proverbs 8:5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Historical Context
Jesus similarly welcomed the simple: 'I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes' (Matthew 11:25). Paul wrote: 'Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise' (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). Wisdom welcomes the simple who know they need her.
Questions for Reflection
- What false sophistication prevents you from coming to wisdom as 'simple' one needing instruction?
- How does humility about your ignorance position you to receive wisdom?
- In what areas do you need to acknowledge simplicity/naivety and seek wisdom's instruction?
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Analysis & Commentary
Whoever is simple, let him turn in here. Wisdom addresses the simple/naive. The Hebrew 'pethiy' (simple/naive) describes the gullible, unformed, undecided. Wisdom doesn't require sophisticated brilliance but welcomes the simple. Those who know they lack wisdom can come and receive. The prerequisite isn't intelligence but humility - recognizing need and responding to invitation.