The Way of Wisdom

(Ezra 4:6-16; Esther 1:1-9; Proverbs 1:1-7)

1Wisdom hath built herself a house, she hath hewn her out seven pillars.

2She hath slain her victims, mingled her wine, and set forth her table.

3She hath sent her maids to invite to the tower, and to the walls of the city:

4Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me. And to the unwise she said:

5Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine which I have mingled for you.

6Forsake childishness, and live, and walk by the ways of prudence.

7He that teacheth a scorner, doth an injury to himself: and he that rebuketh a wicked man, getteth himself a blot.

8Rebuke not a scorner lest he hate thee. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9Give an occasion to a wise man, and wisdom shall be added to him. Teach a just man, and he shall make haste to receive it.

10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is prudence.

11For by me shall thy days be multiplied, and years of life shall be added to thee.

12If thou be wise, thou shalt be so to thyself: and if a scorner, thou alone shalt bear the evil.

The Way of Folly

13A foolish woman and clamorous, and full of allurements, and knowing nothing at all,

14Sat at the door of her house, upon a seat, in a high place of the city,

15To call them that pass by the way, and go on their journey:

16He that is a little one, let him turn to me. And to the fool she said:

17Stolen waters are sweeter, and hid den bread is more pleasant.

18And he did not know that giants are there, and that her guests are in the depths of hell. The Parables of Solomon