The Way of Wisdom
(Proverbs 1:1–7)

1Wisdom has built her house;

she has hewn out† her seven pillars.

2She has slaughtered her slaughter; she has mixed her wine;

indeed, she has arranged her table.

3She has sent out her maidens;

she calls out on the tops of the heights of the city:

4“Who is simple? Let him turn in here!”

To the lacking of heart, she says to him:

5“Come, feed on my bread

and drink the wine I have mixed.

6Forsake foolishness, and live,

and walk in the way of understanding.”

7The one correcting one scoffing is receiving for himself shame,

and the one rebuking a wicked one, his blemish.

8Do not rebuke one scoffing, lest he hate you;

Give reproof to a wise one, and he will love you.

9Give to a wise one, and he will be wiser still;

give knowledge to a righteous one, and he will increase in learning.

10The beginning of wisdom is the fear of YHWH,

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11For through wisdom† your days will be multiplied,

and years of life will be added to you.

12If you have been wise, you have been wise for yourself,

and if you have scoffed, you will bear it for yourself alone.

The Way of Folly

13The woman of foolishness roars;

she is simple, and she has not known anything.

14And she sits at the door of her house,

upon a seat in the heights of the city,

15to call to those passing by the way,

those going straight on their paths:

16“Who is simple? Let him turn in here!”

And the lacking of heart, she says to him:

17“Stolen waters are sweet,

and bread of secrecies is pleasant.”

18He does not know that the Rephaim† are there;

her called ones are in the depths of Sheol.