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Proverbs 9 :: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Wisdom’s Invitation

Pro 9:1

Wisdom has built her [spacious and sufficient] house;

She has hewn out and set up her seven pillars.

Pro 9:2

She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;

She has also set her table.

Pro 9:3

She has sent out her maidens, she calls

From the highest places of the city:

Pro 9:4

“Whoever is naive or inexperienced, let him turn in here!”

As for him who lacks understanding, she says,

Pro 9:5

“Come, eat my food

And drink the wine I have mixed [and accept my gifts].

Pro 9:6

“Leave [behind] your foolishness [and the foolish] and live,

And walk in the way of insight and understanding.”

Pro 9:7

He who corrects and instructs a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,

And he who rebukes a wicked man gets insults for himself.

Pro 9:8

[fn]Do not correct a scoffer [who foolishly ridicules and takes no responsibility for his error] or he will hate you;

Correct a wise man [who learns from his error], and he will love you.

Pro 9:9

Give instruction to a wise man and he will become even wiser;

Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

Pro 9:10

The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence],

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.

Pro 9:11

For by me (wisdom from God) your days will be multiplied,

And years of life shall be increased.

Pro 9:12

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself [for your own benefit];

If you scoff [thoughtlessly ridicule and disdain], you alone will pay the penalty.

Pro 9:13

The foolish woman is restless and noisy;

She is naive and easily misled and thoughtless, and knows nothing at all [of eternal value].

Pro 9:14

She sits at the doorway of her house,

On a seat by the high and conspicuous places of the city,

Pro 9:15

Calling to those who pass by,

Who are making their paths straight:

Pro 9:16

“Whoever is naive or inexperienced, let him turn in here!”

And to him who lacks understanding (common sense), she says,

Pro 9:17

“Stolen waters (pleasures) are sweet [because they are forbidden];

And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

Pro 9:18

But he does not know that the spirits of the dead are there,

And that her guests are [already] in the depths of Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead).

AMP Footnotes
The ancient rabbis took this to have the force of a commandment: never give a rebuke that is sure to be ignored.
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Proverbs Chapter 9 — Additional Translations: