Study

Wisdom’s Feast

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Wisdom has built her house,

she has hewn her seven pillars.

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She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,

she has also set her table.

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She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls

from the highest places in the town,

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“You that are simple, turn in here!”

To those without sense she says,

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“Come, eat of my bread

and drink of the wine I have mixed.

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Lay aside immaturity, and live,

and walk in the way of insight.”

 

General Maxims

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Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse;

whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt.

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A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you;

the wise, when rebuked, will love you.

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Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still;

teach the righteous and they will gain in learning.

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The fear of the L ord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

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For by me your days will be multiplied,

and years will be added to your life.

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If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;

if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

 

Folly’s Invitation and Promise

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The foolish woman is loud;

she is ignorant and knows nothing.

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She sits at the door of her house,

on a seat at the high places of the town,

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calling to those who pass by,

who are going straight on their way,

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“You who are simple, turn in here!”

And to those without sense she says,

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“Stolen water is sweet,

and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

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But they do not know that the dead are there,

that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.