Proverbs 9:7-18 ▼

7 The one correcting one scoffing is receiving for himself shame, and the one rebuking a wicked one, his blemish.

8 Do not rebuke one scoffing, lest he hate you; Give reproof to a wise one, and he will love you.

9 Give to a wise one, and he will be wiser still; give knowledge to a righteous one, and he will increase in learning.

10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of YHWH, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

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

12 If you have been wise, you have been wise for yourself, and if you have scoffed, you will bear it for yourself alone.

13 The woman of foolishness roars; she is simple, and she has not known anything.

14 And she sits at the door of her house, upon a seat in the heights of the city,

15 to call to those passing by the way, those going straight on their paths:

16 “Who is simple? Let him turn in here!” And the lacking of heart, she says to him:

17 “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread of secrecies is pleasant.”

18 He does not know that the Rephaim are there; her called ones are in the depths of Sheol.