Proverbs 9

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

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

3She has sent out her young women; she calls from the heights of the city:

4Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! To him who lacks sense she says,

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

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

7Whoever corrects a scoffer brings disgrace on himself, and whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs a blemish.

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

9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will become wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will gain more learning.

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

11For by me your days will increase, and years of life will be added to you.

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

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

14and sits at the doorway of her house, on a seat at the heights of the city,

15to call to those passing by on the road, who are going straight on their paths:

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

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

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