Proverbs 9
Wisdom invites those who are simple to come and partake in her feast, offering them life and understanding if they leave their simple ways. In contrast, rebuking a mocker will only lead to abuse, but instructing a wise man will make him wiser. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and those who are wise will be rewarded, while mockers will suffer. Folly, on the other hand, also calls out to the simple, but her path leads to death and the grave.
1Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.2She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.3She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city.4"Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.5"Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.6Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.7"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.8Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.9Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.10"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.11For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.12If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."13The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.14She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,15calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way.16"Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.17"Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!"18But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.
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