[1] Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. [2] She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. [3] She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, [4] "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks sense she says, [5] "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. [6] Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight." [7] Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. [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 in learning. [10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. [11] For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. [12] If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it. [13] The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. [14] She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, [15] calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, [16] "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" And to him who lacks sense 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.
