Proverbs 9:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 9:16 presents a compelling invitation from Lady Wisdom, who personifies divine wisdom, extending her call to those who are naive, impressionable, or deficient in discernment. This verse highlights Wisdom's active and gracious pursuit of individuals who are most vulnerable to deception, offering them a clear path to genuine understanding, moral insight, and a life lived in accordance with divine truth. It underscores the accessibility of true wisdom to all who recognize their need and choose to respond to her open summons.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 9:16 is strategically positioned within a pivotal section of the book of Proverbs (chapter 9), which vividly contrasts the competing invitations of Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. Lady Wisdom has meticulously prepared her house, slaughtered her beasts, mixed her wine, and set her table (as described in [Proverbs 9:1-2](/proverbs/9-1 "Proverbs 9:1-2 - Lady Wisdom's Feast Preparation")). She has dispatched her maidens to issue a public, earnest call from the highest points of the city, inviting all to partake of her feast and gain understanding. This specific verse, [Proverbs 9:16](/proverbs/9-16 "Proverbs 9:16 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation to the Simple"), is an exact repetition of the invitation found earlier in [Proverbs 9:4](/proverbs/9-4 "Proverbs 9:4 - Lady Wisdom's Call to the Naive"), emphasizing the urgency and sincerity of her plea. This repeated invitation serves as a direct counterpoint to the later, insidious, and deceptive call of Lady Folly, whose house leads to the depths of Sheol (as revealed in [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - Lady Folly's Deceptive Call")). The chapter thus presents a stark, life-or-death choice between two paths, each represented by a personified female figure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where the instruction of youth and the pursuit of practical and moral insight were highly valued. Wisdom literature often employed personification to make abstract concepts more tangible and relatable. In ancient cities, the "high places" or city gates were common public gathering spots where proclamations, legal judgments, and public instruction would occur. Lady Wisdom's call from "the highest places of the city" (as seen in [Proverbs 9:3](/proverbs/9-3 "Proverbs 9:3 - Wisdom's Public Proclamation")) reflects this cultural practice of public discourse and accessibility. The contrast between wisdom and folly was not merely an intellectual exercise but a fundamental framework for navigating life's moral and ethical complexities in a society where competing voices and influences were ever-present. The emphasis on "understanding" (lêb, heart) highlights the holistic nature of wisdom, encompassing not just intellectual knowledge but also moral discernment and the capacity for right action.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores **The Accessibility and Proactive Nature of Divine Wisdom**. Wisdom is not a hidden secret for an elite few but actively seeks out humanity, making herself available to all who would listen, especially those in greatest need of guidance. Secondly, it highlights **The Universal Human Need for Discernment**. By specifically targeting the "simple" (pethiy) and those who "want understanding" (châçêr lêb), the verse acknowledges the inherent human vulnerability to deception and the necessity of divine insight to navigate life's complexities and avoid destructive paths. This theme is echoed throughout Proverbs, such as in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge") which states that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Thirdly, the verse presents **A Call to Decision and Transformation**. Wisdom's invitation is not passive; it demands a response—a turning ("turn in hither") from one's current state of naiveté or lack to embrace a path of understanding. This choice is central to the book's message, as illustrated by the stark contrast between the "way of the righteous" and the "way of the wicked" (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Path of the Righteous and the Wicked")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Simple (Hebrew, _pᵉthîy'_):** From the root _pāthāh_, meaning "to be open, spacious, wide." In the context of Proverbs, _pᵉthîy_ refers to someone who is naive, inexperienced, easily persuaded, and therefore vulnerable. It does not necessarily imply intellectual deficiency but rather a lack of moral discernment and spiritual maturity, making one susceptible to both good and bad influences. This "openness" can lead to being easily deceived if not guided by wisdom.
* **Turn in (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This primitive root means "to turn off (literal or figurative); to depart, remove, withdraw." In this context, it signifies a deliberate change of direction, a turning away from one path (perhaps of ignorance or folly) and a turning toward another (the path of wisdom). It implies an active, volitional response to Wisdom's call, a reorientation of one's life.
* **Wanteth understanding (Hebrew, _châçêr'_ _lêb'_):** This phrase literally means "lacking heart." _Châçêr_ signifies "lacking, destitute, void," while _lêb_ (heart) is used figuratively for the feelings, will, intellect, and the center of one's being, often encompassing moral insight and sound judgment. Therefore, "wanting understanding" implies a deficiency not merely in intellectual knowledge, but in the moral capacity, discernment, and practical wisdom needed to make right choices and comprehend the consequences of actions. It points to a spiritual and ethical void.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither:"** Lady Wisdom's invitation is directed first to the _pᵉthîy_, the naive and impressionable. She recognizes their vulnerability and offers a clear directive: to "turn in hither," meaning to turn aside from their current path and enter her dwelling, to embrace her instruction. This is an active call for a change of direction, a deliberate choice to seek wisdom.
* **"and [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,"** This second clause parallels the first, broadening the scope of Wisdom's invitation to those who are _châçêr lêb_—those lacking moral insight, discernment, and sound judgment. The repetition emphasizes the earnestness and inclusivity of her call. The phrase "she saith to him" highlights the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of her address, underscoring that wisdom actively communicates and offers guidance to those in need.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 9:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where abstract wisdom is embodied as "Lady Wisdom," a gracious and proactive figure who speaks, builds, and invites. This makes the concept of wisdom relatable and accessible, transforming it from an abstract idea into a dynamic agent. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, by presenting two synonymous clauses ("Whoso is simple" and "him that wanteth understanding") that essentially refer to the same target audience—those in need of discernment. This repetition emphasizes the breadth of Wisdom's concern and the universality of her invitation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Invitation** or **Call**, employing imperative language ("let him turn in hither") to solicit an immediate and active response from the listener. Implicitly, there is also **Contrast** at play within the broader chapter, as Lady Wisdom's open and life-giving call stands in stark opposition to the deceptive and destructive allure of Lady Folly, preparing the reader for the choice between two distinct paths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 9:16 resonates with the profound biblical truth that God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, actively seeks out humanity, particularly those who acknowledge their need for guidance and discernment. It reflects a divine initiative to illuminate the path of life for those who might otherwise stumble in ignorance or fall prey to deception. This invitation is not merely intellectual but calls for a transformation of the heart and a reorientation of one's life toward divine truth. It underscores that true understanding is a gift from God, offered to the humble and sought by the diligent, leading to a life characterized by righteousness and flourishing. The contrast with Lady Folly in the broader chapter highlights the critical choice humanity faces: to embrace the wisdom that leads to life or succumb to the folly that leads to death.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 9:16 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to honestly assess our own spiritual and intellectual posture. Are there areas in our lives where we might be "simple"—naive, easily swayed, or lacking in discernment regarding spiritual truths, relationships, or major life decisions? Do we "want understanding," feeling a deficiency in moral insight or the ability to make choices that align with God's will? The first step toward gaining wisdom is often the humble recognition of our own need. Lady Wisdom's call is not condemnatory but gracious, a persistent invitation to turn away from ignorance and toward enlightenment. For us today, this means actively seeking wisdom from its primary source: God's inspired Word, which is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")). It also involves earnest prayer, asking God for the wisdom that He promises to give generously to those who ask without doubting ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")). Ultimately, this verse challenges us to make a conscious, daily choice to embrace the path of divine understanding, which leads to life, rather than succumbing to the deceptive allure of foolishness that promises much but delivers only ruin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I currently feel "simple" or "lacking understanding," and how might this vulnerability be impacting my choices?**
* **How am I actively seeking and responding to God's wisdom in my daily decisions, particularly when faced with competing voices or difficult choices?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a greater desire for discernment and knowledge from God's Word and through prayer?**

### FAQ

**What does "simple" mean in the context of Proverbs?**

Answer: In Proverbs, the Hebrew word for "simple" ( _pᵉthîy_ ) refers to someone who is naive, inexperienced, and easily persuaded. It doesn't necessarily mean unintelligent, but rather open and impressionable, making them susceptible to both good and bad influences. This state highlights a lack of discernment and moral maturity, rendering them vulnerable to deception. Lady Wisdom calls out to the _pᵉthîy_ because they are precisely the ones most in need of guidance to avoid the pitfalls of folly. This is distinct from the "fool" (e.g., _kesil_ or _'evil_), who is characterized by a hardened resistance to wisdom and instruction.

**How does Lady Wisdom's invitation differ from Lady Folly's?**

Answer: The invitations of Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly (both personified in [Proverbs 9](/proverbs/9 "Proverbs 9 - Wisdom and Folly Contrasted")) stand in stark contrast, representing the two fundamental paths in life. Lady Wisdom's invitation, as seen in [Proverbs 9:1-6](/proverbs/9-1 "Proverbs 9:1-6 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation"), is public, earnest, and offers a feast of understanding that leads to life. She calls from the highest places, openly inviting those who are simple or lack understanding to come and "live" ([Proverbs 9:6](/proverbs/9-6 "Proverbs 9:6 - Wisdom's Promise of Life")). Her call is to a path of righteousness and discernment. In contrast, Lady Folly's invitation, described in [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - Lady Folly's Deceptive Call"), is characterized by loudness, ignorance, and a lack of shame. She sits at her door, calling out deceptively with the promise of "stolen water" and "bread eaten in secret" ([Proverbs 9:17](/proverbs/9-17 "Proverbs 9:17 - Lady Folly's Deception")), implying illicit and fleeting pleasures. Her guests do not realize that "the dead are there, and her guests are in the depths of Sheol" ([Proverbs 9:18](/proverbs/9-18 "Proverbs 9:18 - Lady Folly's Path to Death")). Thus, Wisdom offers life through truth and understanding, while Folly offers death through deception and fleeting sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 9:16, with Lady Wisdom's gracious and persistent call to the "simple" and those "wanting understanding," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a wise teacher, but the very embodiment of divine wisdom, "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Just as Lady Wisdom built her house and prepared a feast, Jesus established His kingdom and offers Himself as the Bread of Life and Living Water to all who come to Him ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life"); [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus the Living Water")). He consistently extended His invitation to those considered "simple" or "lacking understanding" by the world—the tax collectors, sinners, the poor in spirit, and the marginalized ([Matthew 9:12-13](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12-13 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). Jesus's call, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")), mirrors Lady Wisdom's plea for the vulnerable to "turn in hither." In Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge")), and through His atoning sacrifice, He has become for us "wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Holiness, and Redemption")). Therefore, to "turn in hither" to Lady Wisdom is to turn to Christ, who offers not just understanding, but eternal life and a transformed heart capable of true discernment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 9:4

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