Proverbs 9:1-15 ▼

1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out [has set up] her seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city.

4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.

5 “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”

7 He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.

8 Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

10 The fear of the LORD {YHWH} is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through wisdom [through me] your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.

13 The woman named Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing.

14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city,

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