Proverbs 9

The Way of Wisdom

1 Wisdom built her house; she carved out her seven pillars.

2 She prepared her meat, mixed her wine; she set her table.

3 She sent out her girls, she calls from the highest points of the city:

4 “Whoever simple, come in here!” To those who lack sense she says:

5 “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I mixed.”

6 “Leave your simple ways, and live; walk in the way of understanding.”

7 Whoever corrects a mocker gets insult; whoever rebukes the wicked gets abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they get wiser still; teach the righteous and they add to their learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 Through me your days get multiplied, years get added to your life.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you mock, you alone are going to pay for it.

The Way of Folly

13 Folly loud, brash, and clueless.

14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the city’s heights.

15 Calling out to those passing by, those going straight on their way:

16 “Whoever simple, come in here!” To those who lack sense she says:

17 “Stolen water sweet; food eaten in secret tasty.”

18 But they do not know the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the grave.