1 W isdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.

2 S he has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.

3 S he 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 L eave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.”

7 H e who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.

8 D on’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

9 I nstruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

10 T he fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 F or by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.

12 I f you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.

13 T he foolish woman is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing.

14 S he 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, 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 B ut he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.