1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. |
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. |
3 She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city. |
4 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. |
5 "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. |
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding. |
7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. |
8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. |
9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. |
10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. |
11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. |
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer." |
13 The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. |
14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, |
15 calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. |
16 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. |
17 "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!" |
18 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave. |