Proverbs 9

1Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.

2She has slaughtered her animals, mixed her wine, and set her table.

3She has sent out her young women; she calls from the highest places in the city:

4“Whoever is simple, turn in here!” To the one who lacks sense she says,

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

6Leave the simple behind, and live; walk in the way of understanding.

7Whoever corrects a mocker gets insulted; whoever rebukes a wicked person brings a stain on himself.

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

9Give instruction to a wise person, and he will become wiser still; teach a righteous person, and he will add to his learning.

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

11For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

12If you are wise, you are wise to your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear it.”

13The foolish woman is loud; she is simple and knows nothing at all.

14She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest places of the city,

15calling to those who pass by, who are going straight along their way:

16“Whoever is simple, turn in here!” And to the one who lacks sense she says,

17“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is delicious.”

18But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.