The Way of Wisdom

9 Wisdom has abuilt her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;

2 bShe has slaughtered her meat,

cShe has mixed her wine,

She has also 1furnished her table.

3 She has sent out her maidens,

She cries out from the highest places of the city,

4 “Whoever dis simple, let him turn in here!”

As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

5 “Come, eeat of my bread

And drink of the wine I have mixed.

6 Forsake foolishness and live,

And go in the way of understanding.

7 “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself,

And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.

8 fDo not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;

gRebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;

Teach a just man, hand he will increase in learning.

10 “The ifear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 jFor by me your days will be multiplied,

And years of life will be added to you.

12 kIf you are wise, you are wise for yourself,

And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”

The Way of Folly

13 lA foolish woman is 2clamorous;

She is simple, and knows nothing.

14 For she sits at the door of her house,

On a seat mby the highest places of the city,

15 To call to those who pass by,

Who go straight on their way:

16 “Whoever nis 3simple, let him turn in here”;

And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

17 “Stolen owater is sweet,

And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18 But he does not know that pthe dead are there,

That her guests are in the depths of 4hell.