The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 9

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 9 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars;” — the complete text of all 18 verses is below, free to read online.

1Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars;

2She hath prepared her meat, she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

3She hath sent forth her maidens, she calleth, upon the highest places of the city:

4'Whoso is thoughtless, let him turn in hither'; as for him that lacketh understanding, she saith to him:

5'Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6Forsake all thoughtlessness, and live; and walk in the way of understanding.

7He that correcteth a scorner getteth to himself shame, and he that reproveth a wicked man, it becometh unto him a blot.

8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee; reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.

9Give to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

10The fear of HaShem is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the All-holy is understanding.

11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

12If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.'

13The woman Folly is riotous; she is thoughtless, and knoweth nothing.

14And she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15To call to them that pass by, who go right on their ways:

16'Whoso is thoughtless, let him turn in hither'; and as for him that lacketh understanding, she saith to him:

17'Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.'

18But he knoweth not that the shades are there; that her guests are in the depths of the nether-world.

18 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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