1 The Way of Wisdom Wisdom has (Matt. 16:18;1 Cor. 3:9, 10; Eph. 2:20–22;1 Pet. 2:5) built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;2 Matt. 22:4 She has slaughtered her meat, Prov. 23:30 She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table.3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city,4 “Whoever Ps. 19:7 is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,5 “Come, Song 5:1; Is. 55:1; (John 6:27) eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed.6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.7 “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.8 Prov. 15:12; Matt. 7:6 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Ps. 141:5; Prov. 10:8 Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, (Matt. 13:12) and he will increase in learning.10 “The Job 28:28; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7 fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.11 Prov. 3:2, 16 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.12 Job 35:6, 7; Prov. 16:26 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”13 The Way of Folly Prov. 7:11 A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing.14 For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat Prov. 9:3 by the highest places of the city,15 To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way:16 “Whoever Prov. 7:7, 8 is simple, let him turn in here”; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,17 “Stolen Prov. 20:17 water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”18 But he does not know that Prov. 2:18; 7:27 the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.