Wisdom Builds Her House

Two houses, two invitations, both calling the same simple passersby. Wisdom's has a table set and a meal ready; Folly's offers stolen water and bread eaten in secret. The difference is not the offer but what waits inside. Between them sit lines on rebuking.

Chapter 9.

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars. ^a She has slaughtered her animals; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places of the town: "Whoever is simple, let him come in here!" To the one who lacks sense she says, "Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live; walk in the way of insight." Whoever corrects a mocker brings abuse on himself, and whoever rebukes a wicked man gets hurt. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will grow wiser; teach a righteous man and he will learn even more. The fear of our Father is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Folly's Counterfeit Invitation

The woman Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way: "Whoever is simple, let him come in here!" And to the one who lacks sense she says, "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.