The Way of Wisdom

(Ezra 4:6-16; Esther 1:1-9; Proverbs 1:1-7)

1Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars:

2She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine; she has also furnished her table.

3She has sent forth her maidens: she cries on the highest places of the city,

4Whoever is simple, let him turn in here: as for him that wants understanding, she said to him,

5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

7He that reproves a scorner gets to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blot.

8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you: rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

11For by me your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.

12If you be wise, you shall be wise for yourself: but if you scorn, you alone shall bear it.

The Way of Folly

13A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knows nothing.

14For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15To call passengers who go right on their ways:

16Whoever is simple, let him turn in here: and as for him that wants understanding, she said to him,

17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

18But he knows not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.