Proverbs 9:8-18 ▼

8 Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

9 Give knowledge to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Make a righteous man know it and he will increase his learning.

10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will become many, And years of life will be added to you.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

13 The woman of foolishness is boisterous, A woman of simplicity, and does not know anything.

14 She sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by the high places of the city,

15 To call to those who pass by that way, Who are making their paths straight:

16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here,” And to him who lacks a heart of wisdom 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 those she called are in the depths of Sheol.