NET Bible

The Consequences of Accepting Wisdom or Folly1

^9:1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out its seven pillars. ^9:2 She has prepared her meat, she has mixed her wine; she also has arranged her table. ^9:3 She has sent out her female servants; she calls out on the highest places of the city. ^9:4 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here.” To those who lack understanding, she has said, ^9:5 “Come, eat some of my food, and drink some of the wine I have mixed. ^9:6 Abandon your foolish ways so that you may live, and proceed in the way of understanding.” ^9:7 Whoever corrects a mocker is asking for insult; whoever reproves a wicked person receives abuse. ^9:8 Do not reprove a mocker, or he will hate you; reprove a wise person, and he will love you. ^9:9 Give instruction to a wise person, and he will become wiser still; teach a righteous person, and he will add to his learning. ^9:10 The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding. ^9:11 For because of me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. ^9:12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you have mocked, you alone must bear it. ^9:13 The woman called Folly is brash; she is naive and does not know anything. ^9:14 And she has sat down at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, ^9:15 calling out to those who are passing by her in the way, who go straight on their way. ^9:16 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” To those who lack understanding she has said, ^9:17 “Stolen waters are sweet, and food obtained in secret is pleasant!” ^9:18 But they do not realize that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.