1Wisdom has built her house. She has cut out her seven pillars.
2She has killed her animals. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.
3She has sent out her servant girls. She calls from the highest places of the city,
4"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." To the one who lacks understanding she says,
5"Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine which I have mixed."
6"Leave the foolish behind, and live. Walk in the way of understanding."
7Whoever corrects a mocker brings shame on himself. Whoever rebukes a wicked man gets a stain on himself.
8Do not correct a mocker, or he will hate you. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
9Give teaching to a wise man, and he will be wiser still. Teach a just man, and he will learn even more.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11For through me your days will be many, and the years of your life will be increased.
12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. But if you mock, you alone will bear it.
13A foolish woman is loud. She is simple, and knows nothing.
14For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15to call out to those passing by, who go straight on their way,
16"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." To the one who lacks understanding she says,
17"Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
18But he does not know that the dead are there, and that her guests are in the depths of hell.