Proverbs 9

The Consequences of Accepting Wisdom or Folly#sn Chapter 9 forms the conclusion of the lengthy introduction to the book. Both wisdom and folly will make their final appeals; and both appeal to the simpletons. Wisdom offers life with no mention of pleasure; folly offers pleasure with no mention of death. The first twelve verses concern accepting wisdom: the invitation of wisdom (1-6), the description of the responses (7-11), and the consequence (12). Verses 13-18 concern accepting folly: the invitation (13-17) and the consequence (18).

1Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out its seven pillars.

2She has prepared her meat, she has mixed her wine; she also has arranged her table.

3She has sent out her female servants; she calls out on the highest places of the city.

4“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” she says to those who lack understanding.

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

6Abandon your foolish ways so that you may live, and proceed in the way of understanding.”

7Whoever corrects a mocker is asking for insult; whoever reproves a wicked person receives abuse.

8Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you; reprove a wise person and he will love you.

9Give instruction to a wise person, and he will become wiser still; teach a righteous person and he will add to his learning.

10The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding.

11For because of me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

12If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you are a mocker, you alone must bear it.

13The woman called Folly is brash, she is naive and does not know anything.

14So she sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,

15calling out to those who are passing by her in the way, who go straight on their way.

16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here,” she says to those who lack understanding.

17“Stolen waters are sweet, and food obtained in secret is pleasant!”

18But they do not realize that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.