Proverbs 9:1–12

¹Wisdom has built her house;

she has carved out^a 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^b 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.