1 ¶ Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars:

2 S he has killed her sacrifice; she has mingled her wine; and she has furnished her table.

3 S he has sent forth her maidens; she cries upon the highest places of the city,

4 w hosoever is simple, let him turn in here; as for those that lack understanding, she saith unto him,

5 C ome, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6 F orsake that which is foolish and live and go in the way of understanding.

7 H e that chastens a scorner brings shame unto himself, and he that chastens a wicked man brings himself a blot.

8 C hasten not a scorner lest he hate thee; chasten a wise man, and he will love thee.

9 G ive instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 T he fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

11 F or by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

12 I f thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself; but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13 ¶ A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple and knows nothing.

14 F or she sits at the door of her house on a seat in the high places of the city

15 t o call to those who pass by the way, to those who straighten their ways;

16 W hosoever is simple, let him turn in here; and as for him that lacks understanding, she saith unto him:

17 S tolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

18 B ut he does not know that the dead are there and that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.