[1] Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; [2] she has killed her beasts, 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 wants understanding, she says to him, [5] "Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mixed. [6] Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding." [7] He who reproves a scorner gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man gets hurt. [8] Do not reprove a scorner, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. [9] Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet 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 the years of your life will be increased. [12] If you are wise, you will be wise for yourself, but if you scorn, you alone will bear it. [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 in the high places of the city, [15] to call those who pass by who go right 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 waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." [18] But he does not know that the dead are there, and that her guests are in the depths of the grave.
