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.