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 pillars -- seven.

2She hath slaughtered her slaughter, She hath mingled her wine, Yea, she hath arranged her table.

3She hath sent forth her damsels, She crieth on the tops of the high places of the city:

4Who is simple? let him turn aside hither.' Whoso lacketh heart: she hath said to him,

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

6Forsake ye, the simple, and live, And be happy in the way of understanding.

7The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it -- shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish.

8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee.

9Give to the wise, and he is wiser still, Make known to the righteous, And he increaseth learning.

10The commencement of wisdom is the fear of Jehovah, And a knowledge of the Holy Ones is understanding.

11For by me do thy days multiply, And added to thee are years of life.

12If thou hast been wise, thou hast been wise for thyself, And thou hast scorned -- thyself bearest it.

The Way of Folly

13A foolish woman is noisy, Simple, and hath not known what.

14And she hath sat at the opening of her house, On a throne -- the high places of the city,

15To call to those passing by the way, Who are going straight on their paths.

16Who is simple? let him turn aside hither.' And whoso lacketh heart -- she said to him,

17'Stolen waters are sweet, And hidden bread is pleasant.'

18And he hath not known that Rephaim are there, In deep places of Sheol her invited ones!