Wisdom's Feast

1Wisdom has built her house,

she has hewn her seven pillars.

2She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,

she has also set her table.

3She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls

from the highest places in the town,

4‘You that are simple, turn in here!’

To those without sense she says,

5‘Come, eat of my bread

and drink of the wine I have mixed.

6Lay aside immaturity,9.6 Or simpleness and live,

and walk in the way of insight.’

General Maxims

7Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse;

whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt.

8A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you;

the wise, when rebuked, will love you.

9Give instruction9.9 Heb lacks instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still;

teach the righteous and they will gain in learning.

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

11For by me your days will be multiplied,

and years will be added to your life.

12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;

if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Folly's Invitation and Promise

13The foolish woman is loud;

she is ignorant and knows nothing.

14She sits at the door of her house,

on a seat at the high places of the town,

15calling to those who pass by,

who are going straight on their way,

16‘You who are simple, turn in here!’

And to those without sense she says,

17‘Stolen water is sweet,

and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.’

18But they do not know that the dead9.18 Heb shades are there,

that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.