1 W isdom has built her house. She has made seven pillars to hold it up.

2 S he has cooked her food, and has mixed her wine, and she has set her table.

3 S he has sent out the young women who work for her. She calls from the highest places of the city,

4 “ Whoever is easy to fool, let him turn in here!” She says to the one without understanding,

5 “ Come and eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 T urn from your foolish way, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.”

7 H e who speaks strong words to the man who laughs at the truth brings shame upon himself. He who speaks strong words to a sinful man gets hurt.

8 D o not speak strong words to a man who laughs at the truth, or he will hate you. Speak strong words to a wise man, and he will love you.

9 G ive teaching to a wise man and he will be even wiser. Teach a man who is right and good, and he will grow in learning.

10 T he fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. To learn about the Holy One is understanding.

11 F or by me your days will grow in number, and years will be added to your life.

12 I f you are wise, your wisdom is a help to you. If you laugh at the truth, you alone will suffer for it.

13 A foolish woman makes much noise. She is open to sin, and knows nothing.

14 S he sits at the door of her house or on a seat in the high places of the city.

15 S he calls to those who pass by and are making their paths straight,

16 “ Whoever is easy to fool, let him turn in here!” She says to the one without understanding,

17 “ Stolen water is sweet. And bread eaten in secret is pleasing.”

18 B ut he does not know that the dead are there, and that the ones who visit her are in the bottom of hell.