(KJV) Proverbs 9¹

⥃The Way of Wisdom ^{[ Proverbs 1:1–7 ]}

[1] Wisdom² hath builded³ her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars⁴: [2] She hath killed⁵ her beasts⁶; she hath mingled⁷ her wine; she hath also furnished her table. [3] She hath sent⁸ forth her maidens: she crieth⁹ upon the highest places of the city, [4] Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,¹⁰ [5] Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mingled.¹¹ [6] Forsake¹² the foolish, and live; and go in¹³ the way of understanding. [7] He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.¹⁴ [8] Reprove¹⁵ not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke¹⁶ a wise man, and he will love thee. [9] Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.¹⁷ [10] The fear¹⁸ of the Lord [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge¹⁹ of the holy [is] understanding. [11] For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.²⁰ [12] If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].²¹

⥃The Way of Folly

[13] A foolish woman [is] clamorous: [she is] simple, and knoweth nothing.²² [14] For she²³ sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in²⁴ the high places of the city, [15] To call passengers who go right on their ways:²⁵ [16] Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: and [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,²⁶ [17] Stolen²⁷ waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret²⁸ is pleasant. [18] But he²⁹ knoweth not that the dead³⁰ [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.