1 W isdom hath builded her house, She hath hewn out her pillars -- seven.

2 S he hath slaughtered her slaughter, She hath mingled her wine, Yea, she hath arranged her table.

3 S he hath sent forth her damsels, She crieth on the tops of the high places of the city:

4 ` Who simple? let him turn aside hither.' Whoso lacketh heart: she hath said to him,

5 ` Come, eat of my bread, And drink of the wine I have mingled.

6 F orsake ye, the simple, and live, And be happy in the way of understanding.

7 T he instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it -- shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish.

8 R eprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee.

9 G ive to the wise, and he is wiser still, Make known to the righteous, And he increaseth learning.

10 T he commencement of wisdom the fear of Jehovah, And a knowledge of the Holy Ones understanding.

11 F or by me do thy days multiply, And added to thee are years of life.

12 I f thou hast been wise, thou hast been wise for thyself, And thou hast scorned -- thyself bearest.

13 A foolish woman noisy, Simple, and hath not known what.

14 A nd she hath sat at the opening of her house, On a throne -- the high places of the city,

15 T o call to those passing by the way, Who are going straight their paths.

16 ` Who simple? let him turn aside hither.' And whoso lacketh heart -- she said to him,

17 ` Stolen waters are sweet, And hidden bread is pleasant.'

18 A nd he hath not known that Rephaim there, In deep places of Sheol her invited ones!