Proverbs 9:16 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither - Folly or pleasure here personified, uses the very same expressions as employed by Wisdom, Proverbs 9:4. Wisdom says, "Let the simple turn in to me." No, says Folly, "Let the simple turn in to me." If he turn in to Wisdom, his folly shall be taken away and he shall become wise; if he turn in to Foliy, his darkness will be thickened, and his folly will remain.

Wisdom sets up her school to instruct the ignorant:

Folly sets her school up next door, to defeat the designs of Wisdom.

Thus the saying of the satirist appears to be verified: -

"Wherever God erects a house of prayer,

The devil surely builds a chapel there.

And it is found upon examination,

The latter has the larger congregation."

De Foe.

Proverbs 9:16

16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,