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Proverbs 9:15

Proverbs 9:15 in Multiple Translations

calling out to those who pass by, who make their paths straight.

To call passengers who go right on their ways:

To call to them that pass by, Who go right on their ways:

Crying out to those who go by, going straight on their way, she says:

calling out to those passing by, going about their business,

To call them that passe by the way, that go right on their way, saying,

To call to those passing by the way, Who are going straight [on] their paths.

to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways,

To call passengers who go right on their ways:

To call them that pass by the way, and go on their journey:

and they call out to the men who are passing by, who are trying to be concerned with their own affairs,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 9:15

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Proverbs 9:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לִ/קְרֹ֥א לְ/עֹֽבְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ הַֽ֝/מְיַשְּׁרִ֗ים אֹֽרְחוֹתָֽ/ם
לִ/קְרֹ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/עֹֽבְרֵי ʻâbar H5674 to pass Prep | V-Qal
דָ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs
הַֽ֝/מְיַשְּׁרִ֗ים yâshar H3474 to smooth Art | V-Piel
אֹֽרְחוֹתָֽ/ם ʼôrach H734 way N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 9:15

לִ/קְרֹ֥א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לְ/עֹֽבְרֵי ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Prep | V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
דָ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הַֽ֝/מְיַשְּׁרִ֗ים yâshar H3474 "to smooth" Art | V-Piel
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
אֹֽרְחוֹתָֽ/ם ʼôrach H734 "way" N-cp | Suff
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.

Study Notes — Proverbs 9:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 7:25–27 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.
2 Proverbs 23:27–28 For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well. Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.
3 Proverbs 7:13–15 She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: “I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows. So I came out to meet you; I sought you, and I have found you.

Proverbs 9:15 Summary

[The woman Folly in Proverbs 9:15 is calling out to people who are trying to do the right thing, but may not have the wisdom and discernment they need to make good choices. She is targeting those who are naive and lack judgment, as seen in Proverbs 9:16. This verse reminds us that we need to be careful and seek wisdom from God's Word, as in Proverbs 2:6, and from His people, as in Proverbs 11:14, in order to avoid temptation and make good choices. By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as in Psalm 37:3-7, we can make our paths straight and live a righteous life.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of people is the woman Folly calling out to in Proverbs 9:15?

The woman Folly is calling out to those who pass by and make their paths straight, which means she is targeting those who are trying to live a righteous life, as described in Proverbs 8:20, but are naive and lack discernment, as seen in Proverbs 9:16.

Why is the woman Folly sitting at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city?

The woman Folly sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city, as mentioned in Proverbs 9:14, to make herself visible and attractive to those who are passing by, much like the harlot in Proverbs 7:11-12 who tries to lure men into her house.

What is the significance of the phrase 'who make their paths straight' in Proverbs 9:15?

The phrase 'who make their paths straight' in Proverbs 9:15 refers to those who are trying to live a righteous and upright life, as described in Proverbs 11:5, but may be lacking in wisdom and discernment, making them vulnerable to the woman Folly's temptations.

How does the woman Folly's method of operation relate to our lives today?

The woman Folly's method of operation, as described in Proverbs 9:15, is still relevant today, as Satan and his agents often try to tempt and deceive believers who are trying to live a righteous life, as warned in 1 Peter 5:8 and Ephesians 6:11-12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be making my path straight, but still lacking in wisdom and discernment, making me vulnerable to temptation?
  2. How can I be more aware of the woman Folly's tactics in my life, and what steps can I take to avoid her temptations?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be naive or lacking in discernment, and how can I seek wisdom and guidance from God's Word and His people?
  4. In what ways can I be more intentional about seeking wisdom and discernment in my daily life, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision to guide me?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:15

To call passengers who go right on their ways. Who have been religiously educated, and trained up in the principles of true Christianity; and who walk outwardly according to the rule of the divine

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:15

To call passengers who go right on their ways: To call passengers who go right on their ways - literally, 'who are making right their ways.' Her chief aim is to seduce the godly, or those inclined to

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:15

Who were going innocently and directly about their business without any unchaste design; for others needed none of those invitations or offers, but went to her of their own accord. And besides, such lewd persons take a greater pleasure in corrupting the innocent.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:15

Proverbs 9:15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:Ver. 15. That go right on their way.] She fights at the fairest, seeks to seduce the forwardest. "They shall deceive, if it were possible, the very elect." Flies settle upon the sweetest perfumes when they are cold, and corrupt them.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:15

15. who go right on their ways] who are not putting themselves in the way of temptation by loitering or straying into by-ways, but who, though in the path of duty, are unwary and unsuspecting, and so need warning.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:15

15. To call passengers — This is her object, to draw even those aside into her haunts of folly and impurity who are going straight forward to the school of wisdom and virtue.

Sermons on Proverbs 9:15

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn

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