Chapter 9
1 Wisdom has built her house . She has carved out her seven pillars .
2 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine . She has also set her table .
3 She has sent out her maidens . She cries from the highest places of the city :
4 " Whoever is simple , let him turn in here !" As for him who is void of understanding , she says to him,
5 " Come , eat some of my bread , Drink some of the wine which I have mixed !
6 Leave your simple ways , and live . Walk in the way of understanding."
7 One who corrects a mocker invites insult. One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
8 Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you . Reprove a wise person , and he will love you .
9 Instruct a wise person , and he will be still wiser . Teach a righteous person , and he will increase in learning .
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom . The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied . The years of your life will be increased .
12 If you are wise , you are wise for yourself . If you mock , you alone will bear it .
13 The foolish woman is loud , undisciplined, and knows nothing .
14 She sits at the door of her house , on a seat in the high places of the city ,
15 to call to those who pass by , who go straight on their ways ,
16 " Whoever is simple , let him turn in here ." As for him who is void of understanding , she says to him,
17 " Stolen water is sweet . Food eaten in secret is pleasant ."
18 But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there , that her guests are in the depths of Sheol .