1: Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. 2: She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. 3: She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city: 4: "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 5: "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! 6: Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding." 7: He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. 8: Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9: Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. 10: The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11: For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased. 12: If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. 13: The foolish woman is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing. 14: She sits at the door of her house, On a seat in the high places of the city, 15: To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their ways, 16: "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 17: "Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant." 18: But he doesn't know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
