Proverb 9

Proverbs 9 (New International Version)

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

 ¹ Wisdom has built her house;
   she has set up^[a] its seven pillars.
² She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
   she has also set her table.
³ She has sent out her servants, and she calls
   from the highest point of the city,
 ⁴ “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
 ⁵ “Come, eat my food
   and drink the wine I have mixed.
⁶ Leave your simple ways and you will live;
   walk in the way of insight.”  ⁷ Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
   whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
⁸ Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
   rebuke the wise and they will love you.
⁹ Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
   teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
 ¹⁰ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
   and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
¹¹ For through wisdom^[b] your days will be many,
   and years will be added to your life.
¹² If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
   if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
 ¹³ Folly is an unruly woman;
   she is simple and knows nothing.
¹⁴ She sits at the door of her house,
   on a seat at the highest point of the city,
¹⁵ calling out to those who pass by,
   who go straight on their way,
 ¹⁶ “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
 ¹⁷ “Stolen water is sweet;
   food eaten in secret is delicious!”
¹⁸ But little do they know that the dead are there,
   that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.