Proverbs 9:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way,

NIV: calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way,

NASB: Calling to those who pass by, Who are going straight on their paths:

CSB: calling to those who pass by, who go straight ahead on their paths:

NLT: She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business.

KJV: To call passengers who go right on their ways:

NKJV: To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way:

Godly Wisdom, imagined as a woman, was also depicted as calling out to others (Proverbs 8:1–4). In this chapter, Wisdom appeared as a noble woman extending an invitation to a feast (Proverbs 9:1–6). The inversion of Wisdom, known as Folly (Proverbs 9:13–14), also makes an effort to attract others into her influence.

Folly beckons to those who go about their daily business and pass by. Obviously, she hopes to catch some of them in her net. Perhaps the reference to those "who are going straight on their way" identifies young men of character. The Devil seeks to destroy even strong believers. He prowls like a lion in search of someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We need to be sober-minded and watchful, while we resist him in the faith and submit ourselves to God (1 Peter 5:9).

Like well-disciplined runners, believers ought to avoid the distractions evil places in their path and run with endurance with their eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2). Lot is a prime example of a believer who looked toward Sodom, the evil city, and chose to camp nearby. However, eventually he moved into the city, settled down there, and ultimately lost everything, including his wife (Genesis 13:1–13; 19:1–26). It is wise to follow a straight godly path and abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Proverbs 9:13–18 closes the chapter by describing Folly's call and the tragedy of succumbing to it. Solomon began this chapter of Proverbs with a call from a proverbial Lady Wisdom, for others to feast at her table. Between the two sections of this chapter, he presented two different responses to the call. A wise person responds positively, but a scoffer rejects the call. The depiction of Folly mirrors that of wisdom: making similar invitations, but with drastically different results. This parallels the evil temptations of the adulterous woman described earlier (Proverbs 7:7–27).

Wisdom is portrayed as a dignified woman who prepares a spacious house and feast. She invites those who are gullible and lacking judgment to improve their wisdom, by accepting her invitation. She urges invitees to abandon their simple ways and walk in the way of insight. Solomon then contrasts the attitudes of those who sincerely seek truth, compared to those who hate being corrected. The chapter ends with a description of Wisdom's mirror image: Folly. She is seductive and ignorant. She invites the gullible to enter her house, promising that immorality is enjoyable and pleasant. Sadly, those who are seduced do not realize her invitation leads to ruin and damnation.

In chapter 7, Solomon portrayed an evil woman (Proverbs 7:7–27). In chapter 8 he portrays wisdom as a refined lady who offers instruction to all who heed her call. Chapter 9 contrasts Lady Wisdom with the evil Woman Folly, who lures the foolish to their ruin. This extended warning about the dangers of rejecting God's wisdom leads into an extended collection of standalone proverbial comments, beginning in chapter 10.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.