PROVERBS 9

Wisdom’s Invitation

1 Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars;

2 She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table;

3 She has sent out her maidens, she calls from the tops of the heights of the city:

4 “Whoever is naïve, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks understanding she says,

5 “Come, eat of my food and drink of the wine I have mixed.

6 Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding.”

7 He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his 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 years of life will be added to you.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

13 The woman of folly is boisterous, she is naïve and knows nothing.

14 She sits at the doorway of her house, on a seat by the high places of the city,

15 Calling to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight:

16 “Whoever is naïve, let him turn in here,” and to him who lacks understanding she says,

17 “Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

Reflection