[1] Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; [2] She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table. [3] She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, [4] "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, [5] "Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. [6] Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding. [7] "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. [8] Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. [9] Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in 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 will bear it alone." [13] A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing. [14] For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city, [15] To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way: [16] "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, [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 hell.
