[1] Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. [2] She has prepared her meat; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. [3] She has sent out her female servants; she calls out from the highest points of the city: [4] "Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!" To the one who lacks sense, she says, [5] "Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed. [6] Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. [7] The one who corrects a mocker will bring abuse on himself; the one who rebukes the wicked will get hurt. [8] Don't rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you. [9] Instruct the wise, and he will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and he will learn more. [10] "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [11] For by me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. [12] If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences." [13] Folly is a rowdy woman; she is gullible and knows nothing. [14] She sits by the doorway of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, [15] calling to those who pass by, who go straight ahead on their paths: [16] "Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!" To the one who lacks sense, she says, [17] "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten secretly is tasty!" [18] But he doesn't know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
