Proverbs 9
The Way of Wisdom
[1] Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn her seven pillars.
[2] She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
[3] She has sent out her young women to call
from the highest places in the town,
[4] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks sense she says,
[5] “Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
[6] Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
[7] Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
[8] Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
[9] Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
[10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
[11] For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
[12] If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
The Way of Folly
[13] The woman Folly is loud;
she is seductive and knows nothing.
[14] She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
[15] calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
[16] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
[17] “Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
[18] But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. (ESV)
