1Wisdom hath builded her house , she hath hewn out her seven pillars : 2She hath killed her beasts ; she hath mingled her wine ; she hath also furnished her table . 3She hath sent forth her maidens : she crieth upon the highest places of the city , 4Whoso is simple , let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding , she saith to him, 5Come , eat of my bread , and drink of the wine which I have mingled . 6Forsake the foolish , and live ; and go in the way of understanding .
The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom
7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame : and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot . 8Reprove not a scorner , lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man , and he will love thee. 9Give instruction to a wise man , and he will be yet wiser : teach a just man , and he will increase in learning . 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom : and the knowledge of the holy is understanding . 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied , and the years of thy life shall be increased . 12If thou be wise , thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest , thou alone shalt bear it .
The Fear of the Lord
13A foolish woman is clamorous : she is simple , and knoweth nothing . 14For she sitteth at the door of her house , on a seat in the high places of the city , 15To call passengers who go right on their ways : 16Whoso is simple , let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding , she saith to him, 17Stolen waters are sweet , and bread eaten in secret is pleasant . 18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell .