Proverbs 9

1 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.⋮

2 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.⋮

3 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city:⋮

4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,⋮

5 “Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!⋮

6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.”⋮

7 One who corrects a mocker invites insult. One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.⋮

8 Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you.⋮

9 Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning.⋮

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.⋮

11 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.⋮

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.⋮

13 The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing.⋮

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

15 to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways,⋮

16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,⋮

17 “Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant.”⋮

18 But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.⋮