Proverbs 9:15

To call passengers who go right on their ways:

To call {H7121} passengers {H5674}{H1870} who go right {H3474} on their ways {H734}:

calling to those who pass by, to those going straight along their ways,

calling out to those who pass by, who make their paths straight.

To call to them that pass by, Who go right on their ways:

Commentary

Proverbs 9:15 is a vivid portrait of Dame Folly, a personification of ungodly choices and foolishness, as she extends her deceptive invitation. This verse is part of a larger section (Proverbs 9:13-18) that starkly contrasts her allure with the life-giving call of Lady Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1-6).

Context

In Proverbs 9, the author uses two allegorical women, Lady Wisdom and Dame Folly, to represent two fundamentally different paths in life. While Lady Wisdom builds her house and prepares a feast for those seeking understanding, Dame Folly, described in Proverbs 9:13 as loud, simple, and knowing nothing, sits at the door of her house. Her purpose is to entice passersby. Verse 15 specifically highlights her target: "passengers who go right on their ways," implying individuals who are seemingly on a good, moral, or righteous path. This makes Folly's temptation particularly insidious, as she aims to divert those who might otherwise avoid her.

Key Themes

  • Deception and Subtlety: Folly doesn't always target the overtly wicked; she often preys on those who appear to be doing well, seeking to subtly draw them off course. Her invitation is alluring but ultimately leads to destruction, as revealed in Proverbs 9:18.
  • The Nature of Temptation: This verse illustrates that temptation often comes not just to those who are lost, but to those who are actively trying to live rightly. The enemy's schemes frequently involve diverting individuals from their established good paths.
  • Spiritual Discernment: The contrasting calls of Wisdom and Folly emphasize the critical need for discernment. One must be able to recognize the voice of truth from the enticing whispers of foolishness. The path that "seems right to a man" can ultimately lead to death (Proverbs 14:12).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "passengers who go right on their ways" is significant. The Hebrew for "passengers" is ʿōberê, meaning "those passing by." The phrase "go right on their ways" translates from meyashsherê dāreḵ, which literally means "those who make their path straight" or "those who go straight on their way." This suggests that Folly's targets are not necessarily already entangled in sin, but rather those who are attempting to walk an upright or righteous path. This makes Folly's invitation a direct challenge to a life of integrity, aiming to divert the unsuspecting.

Practical Application

Proverbs 9:15 serves as a powerful reminder that temptation can arise even when we feel we are on the right track. It calls us to:

  • Maintain Vigilance: Do not assume that being on a good path makes one immune to temptation. Folly is always calling.
  • Seek Wisdom Continually: Actively pursue God's wisdom, which provides the discernment needed to distinguish truth from deceit. As James 1:5 encourages, we should ask God for wisdom.
  • Examine Motivations: Be wary of easy or appealing paths that promise immediate gratification but do not align with God's principles. The narrow way leads to life, while the broad way leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 7:25

    Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

  • Proverbs 7:27

    Her house [is] the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

  • Proverbs 23:27

    For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit.

  • Proverbs 23:28

    She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

  • Proverbs 7:13

    So she caught him, and kissed him, [and] with an impudent face said unto him,

  • Proverbs 7:15

    Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
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