[1] Wisdom has built her house with its seven columns. [2] She has prepared the meat and set out the wine. Her feast is ready. [3] She has sent her servant women to announce her invitation from the highest hills: [4] "Everyone who is ignorant or foolish is invited! [5] All of you are welcome to my meat and wine. [6] If you want to live, give up your foolishness and let understanding guide your steps." [7] Correct a worthless bragger, and all you will get are insults and injuries. [8] Any bragger you correct will only hate you. But if you correct someone who has common sense, you will be loved. [9] If you have good sense, instruction will help you to have even better sense. And if you live right, education will help you to know even more. [10] Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God. [11] I am Wisdom. If you follow me, you will live a long time. [12] Good sense is good for you, but if you brag, you hurt yourself. [13] Stupidity is reckless, senseless, and foolish. [14] She sits in front of her house and on the highest hills in the town. [15] She shouts to everyone who passes by, [16] "If you are stupid, come on inside!" And to every fool she says, [17] "Stolen water tastes best, and the food you eat in secret tastes best of all." [18] None who listen to Stupidity understand that her guests are as good as dead.
