1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars: 2 She has killed her sacrifice; she has mingled her wine; and she has furnished her table. 3 She has sent forth her maidens; she cries upon the highest places of the city, 4 whosoever is simple, let him turn in here; as for those that lack understanding, {Heb. lacking of heart}, she saith unto him, 5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake that which is foolish and live and go in the way of understanding.
7 He that chastens a scorner brings shame unto himself, and he that chastens a wicked man brings himself a blot. 8 Chasten not a scorner lest he hate thee; chasten a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12 If 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 For she sits at the door of her house on a seat in the high places of the city 15 to call to those who pass by the way, to those who straighten their ways; 16 Whosoever is simple, let him turn in here; and as for him that lacks understanding, she saith unto him: 17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 18 But he does not know that the dead are there and that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.