Proverbs 9:6

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 9:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.
Proverbs 9:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Forsake the foolish, etc.] Foolish men and their company; not men of weak abilities in things natural and civil, or who are reckoned foolish by the world; for so the saints are, whose company is not to be neglected and forsaken; but such who are wickedly foolish, who are ignorant of divine things, and make a mock at sin and at religion; such company is very unsuitable for Wisdom’s guests; such as turn in to her house ought to forsake these; it is quite out of character for Wisdom’s followers to be the companions of fools; it is very unprofitable to keep company with such vain men, yea, very pernicious and hurtful, and of very bad consequence; it corrupts good manners, and causes grief, and…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:6 Wisdom gives people the ability to navigate life successfully.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Forsake: Pro 4:14, Pro 4:15, Pro 13:20; Psa 26:4-6, Psa 45:10, Psa 119:115; Act 2:40; Co2 6:17; Rev 18:4 in: Pro 4:11, Pro 10:17; Mat 7:13, Mat 7:14; Luk 13:24 Proverbs 9:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification