Proverbs 9:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: and [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Whoever is unsure of himself, turn in here!"To someone weak-willed she says,

Berean Standard Bible:

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.

American Standard Version:

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Whoso is simple^{H6612}, let him turn in^{H5493} hither: and as for him that wanteth^{H2638} understanding^{H3820}, she saith^{H559} to him,

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 9:16

Proverbs 9:16 is part of a larger literary unit within the book of Proverbs, which is often characterized by the personification of wisdom and folly as women who invite the reader to their respective feasts. This verse continues the theme of wisdom's invitation, which began in verse 1 of the same chapter. Here, the simple and those lacking understanding are being addressed.

In the historical context of Proverbs, which was likely written during the time of Solomon and later edited and compiled in the post-exilic period (after 538 BCE), wisdom literature was a significant genre in the ancient Near East. It was designed to instruct the young and inexperienced in the ways of successful living, often through pithy sayings and vivid metaphors.

The verse itself is an invitation from the personified figure of Wisdom to those who are naive or lacking in judgment. Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who calls out to the simple, offering guidance and understanding. This invitation is a call to learn and to embrace wisdom, which is presented as a path to life and favor from God. The verse emphasizes the openness of wisdom's teachings—it is available to all, regardless of one's current level of understanding.

In essence, Proverbs 9:16 underscores the value of seeking wisdom and understanding as a foundational principle for living a good life. It encourages the reader to turn away from folly and to pursue the path of knowledge and discernment, which are seen as prerequisites for making good decisions and living in a way that is pleasing to God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6612
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פְּתִי
   Transliteration: pᵉthîy
   Pronunciation: peth-ee'
   Description: or פֶּתִי; or פְּתָאִי; from פָּתָה; silly (i.e. seducible); foolish, simple(-icity, one).
   
2. Strong's Number: H5493
   There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סוּר
   Transliteration: çûwr
   Pronunciation: soor
   Description: or שׂוּר; (Hosea 9:12), a primitive root; to turn off (literal or figurative); be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2638
   There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָסֵר
   Transliteration: châçêr
   Pronunciation: khaw-sare'
   Description: from חָסֵר; lacking; hence, without; destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3820
   There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵב
   Transliteration: lêb
   Pronunciation: labe
   Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom.
   
5. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.