The Way of Wisdom

Proverbs 9

1 Wisdom has a built her house,
She has hewn out her seven pillars;
2 b She has slaughtered her meat,
c She has mixed her wine,
She has also 1 furnished her table.
3 She has sent out her maidens,
She cries out from the highest places of the city,
4 "Whoever d is simple, let him turn in here!"
As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
5 "Come, e eat of my bread
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Forsake foolishness and live,
And go in the way of understanding.

7 "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself,
And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
8 f Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;
g Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
Teach a just man, h and he will increase in learning.
10 "The i fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 j For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
12 k If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you will bear it alone."

  1. Cross References
    Matthew 16:18
    And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
    1 Corinthians 3:9
    For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.
    1 Corinthians 3:10
    According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
    Ephesians 2:20 - 22
    Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.
    1 Peter 2:5
    You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 22:4
    "Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."'
  3. Cross References
    Proverbs 23:30
    Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.
  4. Cross References
    Psalms 19:7
    The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
  5. Cross References
    Song of Solomon 5:1
    I have come to my garden, my sister, my spouse; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends! Drink, yes, drink deeply, O beloved ones!
    Isaiah 55:1
    Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.
    John 6:27
    "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."
  6. Cross References
    Proverbs 15:12
    A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.
    Matthew 7:6
    Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
  7. Cross References
    Psalms 141:5
    Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.
    Proverbs 10:8
    The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.
  8. Cross References
    Matthew 13:12
    For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
  9. Cross References
    Job 28:28
    And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.'
    Psalms 111:10
    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
    Proverbs 1:7
    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
  10. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:2
    For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.
    Proverbs 3:16
    Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.
  11. Cross References
    Job 35:6
    If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?
    Job 35:7
    If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?
    Proverbs 16:26
    The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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