The Way of Wisdom

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

1Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.

2She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

3She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city.

4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.

5“Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.

6Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”

7He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.

8Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

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

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

12If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.

The Way of Folly

13The woman named Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing.

14She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city,

15calling out to those who pass by, who make their paths straight.

16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.

17“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!”

18But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.