Unlike the Protestant and Catholic canons, the Ethiopian tradition (Orthodox Tewahedo Church) includes in its Old Testament a collection of wisdom writings known as 'Messalë' (መሣሌ), which corresponds to the Book of Proverbs, but with a particular order and extent. In the Ethiopian canon, Messalë is often positioned distinctly, appearing alongside other wisdom books such as Säyfon (Ecclesiasticus) and Tägsas (Wisdom of Solomon). Although the central content corresponds to the canonical Proverbs, the Ethiopian manuscript tradition preserves textual variations and a chapter organization that reflects the ancient tradition of the Church of Ethiopia. In this Ethiopian collection, Messalë corresponds specifically to chapters 1–24 of the Book of Proverbs, while chapters 25–31 are known as Tägsas.
Messalë (Provérbios 1–24)
Chapter 9 — The Way of Wisdom and the Way of Folly
Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.
She has sent out her maidens. She cries out from the highest places of the city:
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
“Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!
Leave your simple living, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.”
He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.
The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing.
She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways:
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
“Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant.”
But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.