The Way of Wisdom
(Proverbs 1:1–7)

1Wisdom has built a house for herself. She has hewn seven columns.

2She has immolated her victims. She has mixed her wine and set forth her table.

3She has sent her maids to call out to the tower and to the fortified walls of the city,

4“If anyone is little, let him come to me.” And to the unwise, she has said:

5“Approach. Eat my bread, and drink the wine that I have mixed for you.

6Leave behind childishness. And live and walk by the ways of prudence.”

7Whoever teaches a mocker causes injury to himself. And whoever argues with the impious produces a blemish on himself.

8Do not be willing to argue with a mocker, lest he hate you. Dispute with the wise, and he will love you.

9Present an opportunity to the wise, and wisdom shall be added to him. Teach the just, and he will hurry to receive it.

10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of holiness is prudence.

11For by me, your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to you.

12If you would be wise, you will be so for yourself. But if you would be one who ridicules, you alone shall carry the evil.

The Way of Folly

13A foolish and loud woman, who is full of enticements and who knows nothing at all,

14sat at the entrance of her house on a seat, in a high place of the city,

15so as to call to those who were passing by the way and continuing on their journey:

16“Whoever is little, let him turn aside to me.” And to the frenzied, she said,

17“Stolen waters are more soothing, and secret bread is more pleasant.”

18And he did not know that giants are there, and that her companions are in the depths of Hell.