1 WISDOM HAS built her house; she has hewn out and set up her seven [perfect number of] pillars. 2 She has killed her beasts, she has mixed her [spiritual] wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her maids to cry from the highest places of the town: 4 Whoever is simple (easily led astray and wavering), let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, [God's] Wisdom says to him, 5 Come, eat of my bread and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed. 6 Leave off, simple ones [forsake the foolish and simpleminded] and live! And walk in the way of insight and understanding.
7 He who rebukes a scorner heaps upon himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man gets for himself bruises. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man (one upright and in right standing with God) and he will increase in learning. 10 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding. 11 For by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scorn, you alone will bear it and pay the penalty.