[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 departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.