Proverbs 9:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Folly extends the same invitation as wisdom to the simple and those lacking understanding.
The Context of Proverbs 9:16
Folly's invitation mimics wisdom's call, targeting the same simple and uninstructed hearers.
What Does Proverbs 9:16 Mean?
This verse repeats verse 4 almost exactly. Both wisdom and folly target the same audience: the simple and the one without understanding. The language is identical, the invitation the same. The simple person stands at a crossroads, hearing two voices call the same words. Discernment is required to tell them apart, for surface-level similarity masks a profound difference in reality.
The repetition emphasizes the genuine choice the reader faces. It is not wisdom versus obvious wickedness, but wisdom versus a carefully constructed counterfeit. Both call invitingly, both promise nourishment, both position themselves prominently. The reader must look deeper than words to choose rightly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 9:16
What does Proverbs 9:16 mean?
Folly extends the same invitation as wisdom to the simple and those lacking understanding.
What is the context of Proverbs 9:16?
Folly's invitation mimics wisdom's call, targeting the same simple and uninstructed hearers.