◄ Proverbs 9:6 ►
Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding."
Study Bible
Leave your folly behind
The Hebrew word for "folly" is "kesilut," which implies foolishness or a lack of wisdom. In the context of Proverbs, folly is often associated with moral and spiritual ignorance. The call to "leave" suggests a decisive action, a turning away from a path that leads to destruction. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where wisdom was seen as a path to life and prosperity. The exhortation is not merely to abandon foolish actions but to renounce a lifestyle that is contrary to God's wisdom.

and you will live
The promise of life is a recurring theme in Proverbs, where "life" often signifies more than mere physical existence. The Hebrew word "chayah" encompasses a fullness of life, including spiritual vitality and well-being. In a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as an invitation to experience the abundant life that Jesus speaks of in John 10:10. The assurance of life is contingent upon the rejection of folly, emphasizing the transformative power of wisdom.

walk in the way of understanding
The phrase "walk in the way" is a metaphor for one's conduct or lifestyle. The Hebrew word "halak" means to walk or to go, indicating a continuous, deliberate journey. "Understanding" is translated from the Hebrew "binah," which involves discernment and insight. This is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, spiritual comprehension that aligns with God's truth. The historical context of Proverbs, as part of the wisdom literature, underscores the importance of living according to divine principles. Walking in understanding is portrayed as a disciplined, intentional pursuit of God's will, leading to a life marked by peace and righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. Wisdom
Personified as a woman in Proverbs, Wisdom calls out to the simple and the foolish, inviting them to leave their folly and embrace understanding.

3. Folly
Represents foolishness or lack of good judgment. In Proverbs, folly is often depicted as the opposite of wisdom, leading to destruction.

4. The Simple
Refers to those who are naive or inexperienced, often lacking discernment and easily led astray.

5. The Way of Understanding
A metaphorical path representing a life guided by wisdom, discernment, and the fear of the Lord.
Teaching Points
The Call to Abandon Folly
The verse urges believers to consciously leave behind foolish behaviors and decisions. This requires a deliberate choice to reject what is contrary to God's wisdom.

The Promise of Life
Embracing wisdom and understanding leads to a fuller, more meaningful life. This is not just about physical longevity but a life enriched by God's guidance and purpose.

Walking in Understanding
Walking implies ongoing action and commitment. Believers are encouraged to continually seek and apply understanding in their daily lives, aligning their actions with God's will.

The Role of Discernment
Discernment is crucial in distinguishing between wisdom and folly. Believers should cultivate discernment through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from mature Christians.

The Importance of Community
Engaging with a community of believers can provide support and accountability in the pursuit of wisdom. Fellowship with others who value wisdom can help reinforce wise choices.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some practical ways you can identify and leave behind areas of folly in your life?

2. How does the promise of "life" in Proverbs 9:6 relate to the abundant life Jesus speaks of in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can you actively "walk in the way of understanding" in your daily routine?

4. How can you cultivate discernment to better distinguish between wisdom and folly in your decisions?

5. What role does your Christian community play in helping you pursue wisdom, and how can you contribute to others' growth in understanding?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 1:7
This verse introduces the theme of wisdom and the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, contrasting it with the foolishness of despising wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 4:7
Emphasizes the supreme value of wisdom, urging believers to acquire wisdom and understanding as the principal thing.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault, highlighting the New Testament perspective on seeking divine wisdom.

Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the importance of applying wisdom in life, akin to building on a solid foundation.
Sermons
The Foolish Way ForsakenThe Christian ObserverProverbs 9:6
The Divine InvitationW. Clarkson Proverbs 9:1-6
The Rival BanquetsSt. J. A. Frere, M.A.Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom's Banquet; Or, the Call to SalvationE. Johnson Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom's HouseS. Waller.Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom's InvitationGearge Smith, D. DProverbs 9:1-6
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Follies, Folly, Foolish, Forsake, Happy, Insight, Intelligence, Leave, Ones, Proceed, Simple, Simpleness, Thoughtlessness, Understanding, Walk
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 9:1-6

     4478   meat
     5312   feasting
     8365   wisdom, human

Library
The Temple of Wisdom
(Preached at Wellington College, All Saints' Day, 1866.) PROVERBS ix. 1-5. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and to him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. This allegory has been …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The Dryness of Preachers, and the Various Evils which Arise from their Failing to Teach Heart-Prayer --Exhortation to Pastors to Lead People Towards this Form Of
If all those who are working for the conquest of souls sought to win them by the heart, leading them first of all to prayer and to the inner life, they would see many and lasting conversions. But so long as they only address themselves to the outside, and instead of drawing people to Christ by occupying their hearts with Him, they only give them a thousand precepts for outward observances, they will see but little fruit, and that will not be lasting. When once the heart is won, other defects are …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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