Proverbs 9 (ESV)

18 verses · English Standard Version · Essentially literal

The ESV balances word-for-word accuracy with modern English readability. Favored by scholars and pastors for study and preaching, it preserves the structure of the original Hebrew and Greek while using clear, contemporary language.

Proverbs Chapter 9 contains 18 verses and is presented here in the English Standard Version (ESV), which uses a essentially literal approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 31 chapters in Proverbs.

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Chapter 8Chapter 10

1Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.

2She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

3She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,

4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says,

5“Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.

6Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

7Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.

8Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

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

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

11For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

13The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.

14She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,

15calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way,

16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says,

17“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Chapter 8Read in NIVChapter 10

About This Translation

What is Proverbs 9 in the ESV?

Proverbs 9 in the English Standard Version (ESV) contains 18 verses. The ESV uses a essentially literal approach, first published in 2001 (rev. 2016).

How does the ESV translate Proverbs 9 differently?

The English Standard Version uses essentially literal, balancing accuracy with modern readability. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Proverbs 9 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Proverbs 9 (ESV)?

Proverbs Chapter 9 contains 18 verses in the English Standard Version. The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters total.

Proverbs (ESV) — All 31 Chapters