[1] Wisdom has built her house. She has made its seven columns. [2] She has prepared her food and wine. She has set her table. [3] She has sent out her servant girls. She calls out from the highest place in the city. [4] She says to those who are not wise, "Come in here, you foolish people! [5] Come and eat my food. And drink the wine I have prepared. [6] Stop your foolish ways, and you will live. Be a person of understanding. [7] "If you correct someone who makes fun of wisdom, you will get insulted. If you correct an evil person, you will get hurt. [8] Do not correct someone who makes fun of wisdom, or he will hate you. But correct a wise man, and he will love you. [9] Teach a wise man, and he will become even wiser. Teach a good man, and he will learn even more. [10] "Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord. And understanding begins with knowing God, the Holy One. [11] If you live wisely, you will live a long time. Wisdom will add years to your life. [12] The wise person is rewarded by his wisdom. But a person who makes fun of wisdom will suffer for it." [13] Foolishness is like a loud woman. She does not have wisdom or knowledge. [14] She sits at the door of her house. It is at the highest place in the city. [15] She calls out to those who are passing by. They are minding their own business. [16] She says to those who are not wise, "Come in here, you foolish people! [17] Stolen water is sweeter. Stolen food tastes better." [18] But these people don't know that everyone dies who goes there. They don't realize that her guests are deep in the grave.
