The Way of Wisdom

(Ezra 4:6-16; Esther 1:1-9; Proverbs 1:1-7)

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 is void of understanding, she saith to him,

5Come, eat ye of my bread, And drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.

7He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

8Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.

9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

10The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, And the years of thy life shall be increased.

12If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it.

The Way of Folly

13The foolish woman is clamorous;'she is'simple, and knoweth nothing.

14And she sitteth at the door of her house, On a seat in the high places of the city,

15To call to them that pass by, Who go right on their ways:

16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of 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; That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.