Proverbs 9:4-16

4“Whoever is naïve, turn in here!” To those who lack understanding, she says:

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

6Abandon your foolish ways and live! Walk in the way of understanding.”

7Whoever corrects a scoffer is asking for insult. Whoever reproves a wicked man gets abuse.

8Do not correct a scoffer 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 increase in learning.

10The fear of Adonai 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, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you scoff, you bear it alone.

13The foolish woman is rowdy. She is naïve and knows nothing.

14So she sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city,

15calling to those who pass by, who go straight on their way:

16“Whoever is naïve, let him turn in here.” To those who lack understanding, she says: