Proverbs 9:1-18
Wisdom builds a house and invites all who seek understanding to come and eat from her table. She contrasts with foolishness, which is represented by a woman who tempts men with stolen pleasures but leads them to destruction. The chapter concludes with the warning that those who follow wisdom will live long lives, while those who scorn it will bear the consequences alone.
This chapter is notable for its vivid and contrasting portrayals of Wisdom and Folly, which have been interpreted as symbolic representations of good and evil. The famous 'foolish woman' pericope (verses 13-18) has been particularly influential in Christian tradition.
1Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
2She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
3She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
13A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.