Proverbs 9:1-12

1 Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home; it's supported by seven hewn timbers.
2 The banquet meal is ready to be served: lamb roasted, wine poured out, table set with silver and flowers.
3 Having dismissed her serving maids, Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place, and invites everyone within sound of her voice:
4 "Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me!
5 I've prepared a wonderful spread - fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines.
6 Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning."
7 If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you'll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins.
8 So don't waste your time on a scoffer; all you'll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that's different - they'll love you for it!
9 Save your breath for the wise - they'll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know - they'll profit from it.
10 Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God.
11 It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen.
12 Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you. Madame Whore Calls Out, Too

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Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.