[1] Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; [2] She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table; [3] She has sent out her maidens, she calls From the tops of the heights of the city: [4] "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks understanding she says, [5] "Come, eat of my food And drink of the wine I have mixed. [6] "Forsake your folly and live, And proceed in the way of understanding." [7] He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. [8] Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you. [9] Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. [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 multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. [12] If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it. [13] The woman of folly is boisterous, She is naive and knows nothing. [14] She sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by the high places of the city, [15] Calling to those who pass by, Who are making their paths straight: [16] "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here," And to him who lacks understanding she says, [17] "Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant." [18] But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
