Proverbs 9

1 Wisdom ^{a9:1 i.e. wisdom personified as a woman} has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars.ISV — Proverbs 9:1

2 She has prepared her food, ^{b9:2 Or meat} she has spiced ^{c9:2 Or mixed} her wine, and she also has set her dining table.ISV — Proverbs 9:2

3 She has sent out her young women, while calling out from the heights of the city,ISV — Proverbs 9:3

4 “Let whoever is naïve, turn in here.” To anyone lacking sense, she says,ISV — Proverbs 9:4

5 “Come! Eat my food, and drink the wine that I have mixed.ISV — Proverbs 9:5

6 Leave your naïve ways, and live. Walk in the path of understanding.”ISV — Proverbs 9:6

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites only insult, ^{d9:7 Lit. insult to himself} and whoever rebukes the wicked will himself become stained.ISV — Proverbs 9:7

8 Don’t rebuke a mocker or he will hate you. Rebuke a wise person, and he will love you.ISV — Proverbs 9:8

9 Counsel a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will add to his learning.ISV — Proverbs 9:9

10 The fear of the LORD is where wisdom begins, and knowing holiness ^{e9:10 Or knowing holy ones} demonstrates understanding.ISV — Proverbs 9:10

11 For because of me you will live a long life, and years will be added to your life.ISV — Proverbs 9:11

12 If you are wise, your wisdom will assist you. If you mock, you alone will be held responsible.ISV — Proverbs 9:12

13 The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and without knowledge.ISV — Proverbs 9:13

14 She sits at the entrance of her house, on a seat high above the city.ISV — Proverbs 9:14

15 She calls out to those passing by on the road, who are minding their own business, ^{f9:15 Or are going straight on their way}ISV — Proverbs 9:15

16 “Whoever is naïve, turn in here!” And to anyone lacking sense, she says,ISV — Proverbs 9:16

17 “Stolen waters are sweet, and food eaten in secret is delicious.”ISV — Proverbs 9:17

18 But he does not realize that the dead lurk there, and her invited guests wind up in the depths of Sheol. ^{g9:18 i.e. the realm of the dead}ISV — Proverbs 9:18