WISDOM
has built her house;
she has hewn out its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed
her wine;
she has also set her table.
She has sent out her maids, and she
calls
from the highest point of the city.
"Let all who are simple come
in here!"
she says to those who lack
judgment.
"Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways and you will
live;
walk in the way of understanding.
"Whoever corrects a mocker
invites insult;
whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs
abuse.
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will
hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love
you.
Instruct a wise man and he will be
wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will
add to his learning.
"The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding.
For through me your days will be
many,
and years will be added to your
life.
If you are wise, your wisdom will
reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will
suffer."
The woman FOLLY
is loud;
she is undisciplined and without
knowledge.
She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of
the city,
calling out to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way.
"Let all who are simple come
in here!"
she says to those who lack
judgment.
"Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is
delicious!"
But little do they know that the
dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths
of the grave.