Proverbs Monthly

⁷ Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.^(L)
8 Do not rebuke mockers^(M) or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.^(N)
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.^(O)

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord^(P) is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One^(Q) is understanding.^(R)
11 For through wisdom^[b] your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.^(S)
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

¹³ Folly is an unruly woman;^(T)
    she is simple and knows nothing.^(U)
14 She sits at the door of her house,
    on a seat at the highest point of the city,^(V)
15 calling out^(W) to those who pass by,
    who go straight on their way,
¹⁶     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense^(X) she says,
¹⁷     “Stolen water is sweet;
    food eaten in secret is delicious!^(Y)”
¹⁸ But little do they know that the dead are there,
    that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.^(Z)