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¶ Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars:

She has killed her sacrifice; she has mingled her wine; and she has furnished her table.

She has sent forth her maidens; she cries upon the highest places of the city,

whosoever is simple, let him turn in here; as for those that lack understanding, {Heb. lacking of heart} she saith unto him,

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

Forsake that which is foolish and live and go in the way of understanding.

He that chastens a scorner brings shame unto himself, and he that chastens a wicked man brings himself a blot.

Chasten not a scorner lest he hate thee; chasten a wise man, and he will love thee.

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.

Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

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 knoweth nothing.

14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:

16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

Wisdom Hosts a Banquet

Wisdom has built her house.
She has carved out her seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat.
She has mixed her wine.
She has set her table.
She has sent out her servant girls.
She calls from the highest places in the city,
“Whoever is gullible turn in here!”

She says to a person without sense,
“Come, eat my bread,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Stop being gullible and live.
Start traveling the road to understanding.”

Wisdom Prolongs Life

Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse.
Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt.
Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you.
Warn a wise person, and he will love you.
Give ⌞advice⌟ to a wise person,
and he will become even wiser.
Teach a righteous person,
and he will learn more.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 You will live longer because of me,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will help you.
If you mock, you alone will be held responsible.

Stupidity Imitates Wisdom’s Banquet

13 The woman Stupidity is loud, gullible, and ignorant.
14 She sits at the doorway of her house.
She is enthroned on the high ground of the city
15 and calls to those who pass by,
those minding their own business,
16 “Whoever is gullible turn in here!”

She says to a person without sense,
17 “Stolen waters are sweet,
and food eaten in secret is tasty.”
18 But he does not know
that the souls of the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of hell.