Leave your folly behindThis phrase calls for a decisive action to abandon foolishness. In the biblical context, folly is often associated with moral and spiritual ignorance, a rejection of God's wisdom. Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, urging readers to choose wisdom (
Proverbs 1:7, 3:35). The call to leave folly is akin to repentance, a turning away from sin and ignorance towards God. Historically, the Israelites were often admonished by prophets to forsake their foolish ways and return to the covenant (
Jeremiah 4:22). This phrase echoes the call to transformation found in the New Testament, where believers are urged to put off the old self and embrace a new life in Christ (
Ephesians 4:22-24).
and you will live
The promise of life is a central theme in Scripture, often linked to obedience and wisdom. In Proverbs, life is not merely physical existence but a quality of life characterized by peace, prosperity, and divine favor (Proverbs 3:1-2, 4:10). This promise reflects the covenantal blessings promised to Israel for obedience (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). In a broader theological sense, this life points to eternal life, a theme fully realized in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who offers life abundantly (John 10:10) and eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 3:16).
walk in the way of understanding
Walking in the way of understanding implies a continuous, deliberate journey in wisdom. In biblical literature, "walking" often symbolizes one's conduct or lifestyle (Psalm 1:1,Micah 6:8). Understanding here is more than intellectual knowledge; it is a deep, spiritual insight that aligns with God's will. The "way" suggests a path or direction, reminiscent of the "way" of the righteous contrasted with the "way" of the wicked inPsalm 1. This path of understanding is illuminated by God's Word (Psalm 119:105) and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). The call to walk in understanding is an invitation to live a life guided by divine wisdom, leading to spiritual maturity and fulfillment.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
WisdomPersonified as a woman in Proverbs, Wisdom calls out to the simple and the foolish, inviting them to leave their folly and embrace understanding.
3.
FollyRepresents foolishness or lack of good judgment. In Proverbs, folly is often depicted as the opposite of wisdom, leading to destruction.
4.
The SimpleRefers to those who are naive or inexperienced, often lacking discernment and easily led astray.
5.
The Way of UnderstandingA metaphorical path representing a life guided by wisdom, discernment, and the fear of the Lord.
Teaching Points
The Call to Abandon FollyThe verse urges believers to consciously leave behind foolish behaviors and decisions. This requires a deliberate choice to reject what is contrary to God's wisdom.
The Promise of LifeEmbracing wisdom and understanding leads to a fuller, more meaningful life. This is not just about physical longevity but a life enriched by God's guidance and purpose.
Walking in UnderstandingWalking implies ongoing action and commitment. Believers are encouraged to continually seek and apply understanding in their daily lives, aligning their actions with God's will.
The Role of DiscernmentDiscernment is crucial in distinguishing between wisdom and folly. Believers should cultivate discernment through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking counsel from mature Christians.
The Importance of CommunityEngaging with a community of believers can provide support and accountability in the pursuit of wisdom. Fellowship with others who value wisdom can help reinforce wise choices.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 9:6?
2.How can we "leave our folly" in daily decision-making according to Proverbs 9:6?
3.What does "walk in the way of understanding" mean in Proverbs 9:6?
4.How does Proverbs 9:6 connect with James 1:5 about seeking wisdom?
5.What practical steps help us embrace wisdom as advised in Proverbs 9:6?
6.How can Proverbs 9:6 guide us in mentoring others towards wisdom?
7.What does Proverbs 9:6 mean by "Leave your folly behind, and you will live"?
8.How does Proverbs 9:6 challenge modern views on wisdom and foolishness?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 9:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 9?
11.Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can “foolishness” be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?
12.What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?
13.What wisdom and teachings do the Ketuvim offer?
14.What does 'spare the rod, spoil the child' mean?What Does Proverbs 9:6 Mean
Leave your folly behindProverbs 9:6 opens with a clear call: “Leave your folly behind.” Folly is not merely lighthearted silliness; it is moral rebellion against God’s wisdom. Turning from it involves:
• A decisive break—likeProverbs 1:23, “Turn at my rebuke; behold, I will pour out My Spirit to you.”
• Repentance—a change of mind and direction echoingIsaiah 55:7, “Let the wicked forsake his way … and He will have compassion.”
• Practical steps—avoiding companions who drag us back (Proverbs 13:20) and rejecting patterns that once defined us (Ephesians 4:22).
When we abandon folly, we renounce the self-destructive path described inProverbs 14:12.
and you will liveThe promise follows the command: “and you will live.” Life here is more than survival; it’s flourishing under God’s favor. Consider:
• Quality of life—peace and stability (Proverbs 3:1-2).
• Longevity—“For whoever finds me finds life” (Proverbs 8:35).
• Eternal dimension—pointing forward to Jesus’ offer inJohn 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.”
This assurance shows that God’s commands are always paired with life-giving blessings (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
walk in the way of understandingWe are not left wandering; God provides a “way.” Walking implies daily progress:
• Consistent practice—likeProverbs 4:18, “The path of the righteous is like the first light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter.”
• Guidance by Scripture—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
• Dependence on God—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart … He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Understanding is rooted in reverence for the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). As we choose this path, we align with His wisdom day by day.
summaryProverbs 9:6 lays out a three-step journey: abandon foolish rebellion, receive God’s life-giving promise, and keep moving forward on the path of understanding. The verse assures us that turning from sin is not loss but gain—real life, rich with God’s wisdom and blessing.
(6)
Forsake the foolish.--Rather,
the simple; be no longer counted among the weak, who can be "carried about with every wind of doctrine" (
Ephesians 4:14), but "stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (
1Corinthians 16:13).
Verse 6. -
Forsake the foolish, and live; Vulgate,
relinquite infantiam; Septuagint,
ἀπολείπετε ἀφροσύνην, "leave folly." These versions take the plural
פְתָאִים (
petaim) as equivalent to an abstract noun, which gives a good sense; but the plural is not so used in our book, so we must admit the rendering of the Authorized Version, "Quit the class, give up being of the category of fools," or else we must take the word as vocative, "Leave off, ye simple ones" (Revised Version),
i.e. quit your simplicity, your folly.
And live (see on Proverbs 4:4). It is not a mere prosperous life on earth that is here promised, but something far higher and better (
John 6:51, "If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever"). The LXX. saw something of this when they paraphrased the clause, "Leave ye folly, that ye may reign forever."
Go in the way of understanding. Leaving folly, stay not, but make real progress in the direction of wisdom. Septuagint, "Seek ye prudence, and direct understanding by knowledge."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Leave your follyפְתָאיִ֣ם(p̄ə·ṯā·yim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6612:Simple, perhaps open-mindedbehind,עִזְב֣וּ(‘iz·ḇū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5800:To loosen, relinquish, permitand you will live;וִֽחְי֑וּ(wiḥ·yū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2421:To live, to revivewalkוְ֝אִשְׁר֗וּ(wə·’iš·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 833:To be straight, to go forward, be honest, properin the wayבְּדֶ֣רֶךְ(bə·ḏe·reḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionof understanding.”בִּינָֽה׃(bî·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 998:An understanding
Links
Proverbs 9:6 NIVProverbs 9:6 NLTProverbs 9:6 ESVProverbs 9:6 NASBProverbs 9:6 KJV
Proverbs 9:6 BibleApps.comProverbs 9:6 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 9:6 Chinese BibleProverbs 9:6 French BibleProverbs 9:6 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:6 Leave your simple ways and live (Prov. Pro Pr) 
