Proverbs 9

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Wisdom's Invitation

9 <1> Wisdom has built her house; she has made it strong with seven columns.[17] <2> She has cooked meat, mixed wine, and put food on the table. <3> She has sent her servant girls to announce from the highest hill in the city,[18] <4> "Whoever needs instruction, come." She invites all the simple people and says, <5> "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have prepared. <6> Leave your old, foolish ways and live! Advance along the path of understanding."

<7> Criticize a person who is rude and shows no respect, and you will only get insults. Correct the wicked, and you will only get hurt. <8> Don't correct such people, or they will hate you. But correct those who are wise, and they will love you. <9> Teach the wise, and they will become wiser. Instruct those who live right, and they will gain more knowledge.

<10> Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord. Knowledge of the Holy One leads to understanding. <11> Wisdom will help you live longer; she will add years to your life. <12> If you become wise, it will be for your own good. If you are rude and show no respect, you are the one who will suffer.

Foolishness-the Other Woman

<13> Foolishness is that other woman, who is loud, stupid, and knows nothing. <14> She sits on her chair at the door of her house, up on the highest hill of the city. <15> When people walk by, she calls out to them. They show no interest in her, but still she says, <16> "Whoever needs instruction, come." She invites all the simple people and says, <17> "Stolen water is sweet. Stolen bread tastes good." <18> Those simple people don't realize that her house is full of ghosts and that her guests have entered the world of the dead.