Proverbs 9

Modern English Version

The Way of Wisdom

9 Wisdom has built her house,

    she has hewn out her seven pillars;

2 she has killed her beasts, she has mixed her wine,

    she has also furnished her table.

3 She has sent out her maidens,

    she cries out from the highest places of the city,

4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.”

    As for him who wants understanding, she says to him,

5 “Come, eat of my bread,

    and drink of the wine which I have mixed.

6 Forsake foolishness and live,

    and go in the way of understanding.”

7 He who reproves a scorner gets shame for himself,

    and he who rebukes a wicked man gets hurt.

8 Do not reprove a scorner, lest he hate you;

    rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser;

    teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

    and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will be multiplied,

    and the years of your life will be increased.

12 If you are wise, you will be wise for yourself,

    but if you scorn, you alone will bear it.

The Way of Foolishness

13 A foolish woman is clamorous;

    she is simple, and knows nothing.

14 For she sits at the door of her house,

    on a seat in the high places of the city,

15 to call those who pass by

    who go right on their way:

16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.”

    And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

17 “Stolen waters are sweet,

    and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18 But he does not know that the dead are there,

    and that her guests are in the depths of the grave.