[1] Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. [2] She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. [3] She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. [4] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. [5] “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. [6] Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” [7] He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. [8] Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. [9] Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. [10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [11] For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. [12] If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. [13] The woman named Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing. [14] She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city, [15] calling out to those who pass by, who make their paths straight. [16] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. [17] “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!” [18] But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
