Proverbs 9:16 Study Bible: "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,

◄ Proverbs 9:16 ►

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

Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!
Whoever is simple
The term "simple" in this context is derived from the Hebrew word "pethi," which refers to someone who is naive or lacking in judgment. In the book of Proverbs, the "simple" are often portrayed as those who are easily led astray due to their lack of wisdom and discernment. This call to the simple is an invitation to those who are open to instruction and willing to learn. From a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the importance of humility and the recognition of one's need for divine wisdom. It is a reminder that God’s wisdom is available to all who seek it, regardless of their current state of understanding.

let him turn in here
The phrase "turn in here" suggests a deliberate action or choice to seek wisdom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, turning into a house or a place of gathering was often associated with seeking counsel or hospitality. This invitation is extended by Wisdom herself, personified in the earlier verses of Proverbs 9, who calls out to those who are willing to leave their simple ways behind. The act of turning signifies repentance and a change of direction, which is a central theme in Christian teaching. It underscores the belief that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and a conscious decision to follow His ways. This call to "turn in" is an open invitation to embrace a life of wisdom, which leads to understanding and ultimately, to life itself.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Simple
In the context of Proverbs, the "simple" refers to those who are naive or inexperienced, lacking wisdom and discernment. They are often depicted as being easily led astray due to their lack of understanding.

2. The Woman Folly
Proverbs 9 contrasts two women: Wisdom and Folly. In this verse, it is Folly who is calling out to the simple. She represents foolishness and the seductive allure of sin.

3. The House of Folly
This is the metaphorical place where Folly invites the simple. It symbolizes the path of foolishness and sin, which leads to destruction.

4. The Invitation
The act of calling out to the simple is an event that signifies the constant presence of temptation and the choices individuals must make between wisdom and folly.

5. The Lack of Judgment
This phrase highlights the condition of those who are simple. It underscores their vulnerability to making poor decisions due to their lack of discernment.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Simplicity
Being simple or naive is not a neutral state; it makes one susceptible to the allure of folly. Christians are called to grow in wisdom and understanding to avoid being led astray.

The Call of Folly
Folly is persistent and appealing, often disguising itself as something desirable. Believers must be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the voice of folly and rejecting it.

The Importance of Discernment
Discernment is crucial for making wise choices. Christians should seek God's wisdom through prayer and study of the Scriptures to develop sound judgment.

The Consequences of Choices
The choices between wisdom and folly have significant consequences. Choosing folly leads to destruction, while choosing wisdom leads to life and peace.

Seeking Wisdom
Believers are encouraged to actively seek wisdom, understanding that it is a gift from God. Engaging with the Word and seeking counsel from mature Christians are practical steps in this pursuit.

Bible Study Questions

1. What characteristics define a "simple" person according to Proverbs, and how can one move from simplicity to wisdom?

2. How does the invitation of Folly in Proverbs 9:16 compare to the invitation of Wisdom earlier in the chapter? What does this teach us about the choices we face?

3. In what ways can Christians develop discernment to recognize and reject the call of folly in their lives?

4. How does the concept of lacking judgment in Proverbs 9:16 relate to the New Testament teaching on seeking wisdom from God?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between wisdom and folly. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience? How can this inform your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 1:22
This verse also addresses the simple, asking how long they will love their simple ways. It connects to the theme of choosing wisdom over folly.

Proverbs 14:15
This verse contrasts the simple with the prudent, emphasizing the importance of discernment and careful consideration of one's steps.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, highlighting the solution for those who lack judgment.

Sermons

The Invitation of Folly	E. Johnson	Proverbs 9:13-18
The Truth About Sin	W. Clarkson	Proverbs 9:13-18

People

Solomon

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Aside, Heart, Hither, Judgment, Lack, Lacketh, Lacks, Naive, Says, Sense, Simple, Thoughtless, Turn, Understanding, Void, Wanteth

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Proverbs 9:13-18

5340 house

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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