The Way of Wisdom
(Proverbs 1:1–7)

1Wisdom built her house, she hewed out her seven pillars:

2She slaughtered her slaughter; she mingled her wine; also she prepared her table.

3She sent forth her girls: she will call upon the wings of the heights of the city,

4Who the simple, he shall turn aside here: he wanting heart, she said to him,

5Come ye, eat of my bread, and drink ye of the wine I mingled.

6Forsake ye the foolish, and live; and go straight in the way of understanding.

7He instructing him mocking received to himself dishonor: and he reproving to the unjust one, his blemish.

8Thou shalt not reprove him mocking, lest he shall hate thee: reprove to the wise one and he will love thee.

9Thou shalt give to the wise one and he will be more wise: make known to the just one and he will add receiving.

10The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jehovah, and the knowledge of the holy ones is understanding.

11For in me thy days shall be multiplied, and years of life shall be added to thee.

12If thou wert wise, thou wert wise for thyself: and thou mockedst, thou alone shalt suffer.

The Way of Folly

13A woman of folly being noisy, simple, and she knew not anything.

14And sitting at the door of her house, upon the throne of the heights of the city,

15To call to those passing the way, making straight their paths:

16Who is simple, he shall turn aside here: and he wanting heart, and she said to him,

17Stolen waters will be sweet, and the bread of secrets shall be pleasant.

18And he knew not that there the shades; her called ones in the depths of hades.