⁷ 
The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];
But arrogant ^[a]fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.^(A)

¹³ 
The foolish woman is restless and noisy;
She is naive and easily misled and thoughtless, and knows nothing at all [of eternal value].
¹⁴ 
She sits at the doorway of her house,
On a seat by the high and conspicuous places of the city,
¹⁵ 
Calling to those who pass by,
Who are making their paths straight:
¹⁶ 
“Whoever is naive or inexperienced, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks understanding (common sense), she says,
¹⁷ 
“Stolen waters (pleasures) are sweet [because they are forbidden];
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”^(A)
18 
But he does not know that the spirits of the dead are there,
And that her guests are [already] in the depths of Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead).

⁸ 
The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction),
But the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.

¹⁸ 
He who hides hatred has lying lips,
And he who spreads slander is a fool.^(A)

²³ 
Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin],
But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.