[1] Wisdom has made her house, putting up her seven pillars. [2] She has
put her fat beasts to death; her wine is mixed, her table is ready. [3] She
has sent out her women-servants; her voice goes out to the highest places
of the town, saying, [4] Whoever is simple, let him come in here; and to
him who has no sense, she says: [5] Come, take of my bread, and of my wine
which is mixed. [6] Give up the simple ones and have life, and go in the
way of knowledge. [7] He who gives teaching to a man of pride gets shame
for himself; he who says sharp words to a sinner gets a bad name. [8] Do
not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make
them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him. [9] Give teaching to
a wise man, and he will become wiser; give training to an upright man, and
his learning will be increased. [10] The fear of the Lord is the start of
wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One gives a wise mind [11] For by me
your days will be increased, and the years of your life will be long. [12]
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if your heart is full of pride,
you only will have the pain of it. [13] The foolish woman is full of noise;
she has no sense at all. [14] Seated at the door of her house, in the high
places of the town, [15] Crying out to those who go by, going straight on
their way, she says: [16] Whoever is simple, let him come in here: and to
him who is without sense, she says: [17] Drink taken without right is
sweet, and food in secret is pleasing. [18] But he does not see that the
dead are there, that her guests are in the deep places of the underworld.