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)