What is the meaning of Proverbs 9:16?

Whoever is simple,

• “Simple” in Proverbs points to the untaught, the open-minded but undiscerning soul (Proverbs 1:4; 7:7; 14:15).

• God’s Word shows that everyone starts here apart from the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7).

• The verse reminds us that naïveté is not neutral; it either moves toward wisdom (Proverbs 9:4) or toward folly (Proverbs 9:16).

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let him turn in here!

• The same words Wisdom utters earlier (Proverbs 9:4) are now on Folly’s lips—Satanic counterfeiting at work (2 Corinthians 11:14).

• The command “turn” signals a crossroads: obedience to truth or indulgence in sin (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:13-14).

• Lady Folly offers an easy, secret shortcut, in contrast to Wisdom’s call to a disciplined feast (Proverbs 9:5-6).

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she says

• The speaker is “Foolishness” personified (Proverbs 9:13), loud yet empty.

• Her words echo the serpent’s—smooth, confident, void of substance (Genesis 3:1-5; Proverbs 7:21).

• Scripture exposes her as a rival voice to the Holy Spirit; every believer must test the spirits (1 John 4:1).

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to him who lacks judgment.

• Lacking judgment means deficient in moral sense—“void of understanding” (Proverbs 10:13, KJV).

• Such a heart is prey to deception (Hosea 4:6; Ephesians 4:17-18).

• The verse underscores personal responsibility: spiritual discernment must be sought (James 1:5; Hebrews 5:14).

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summary

Proverbs 9:16 warns that Folly mimics Wisdom’s invitation, targeting the ungrounded and undiscerning. The call seems harmless, even hospitable, yet it lures the naïve away from life into death (Proverbs 9:18). By heeding Scripture, seeking God’s wisdom, and exercising discernment, we avoid the counterfeit feast and walk the narrow way that truly satisfies.