Proverbs 9

1Wisdom built her house; she hewed her seven pillars.

2She has slaughtered her beast, mixed her wine, and also arranged her table.

3She has sent her maidens; she calls from the topmost heights of the city.

4Whoever is simple, let him turn here; she says to him who lacks sense,

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

6Abandon the simple and live; walk in the way of understanding.

7Whoever corrects a scoffer receives dishonor for himself; whoever reproves a wicked man receives a blemish for himself.

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

9Impart to a wise man, and he will be wiser still; advise a righteous man, and he will add learning.

10The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the holy ones is understanding.

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

12If you become wise, you are wise for your own sake; but if you scorn, you alone will bear it.

13A foolish woman is clamorous, simple, and knows nothing.

14She sits at her house's entrance, on a seat in the city's heights.

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

16Whoever is simple, let him turn in here; she says to him who lacks sense.

17Stolen waters are sweet, and secret bread is pleasant.

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