Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
v1
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.
v2
She has slaughtered her slaughtering, mixed her wine, and also set her table.
v3
She has sent her servant girls, ^[Or “young maidens”] she calls upon the wings of the high places of town,
v4
“Whoever is simple, let him turn here.” As for the one who lacks sense, ^[Literally “heart”] she says to him,
v5
“Come, eat with my bread; drink with the wine I have mixed.
v6
Lay aside simplicity and live; walk in the way of understanding.”
v7
He who corrects a scoffer gains abuse for himself, and he who rebukes the wicked gets hurt. ^[Literally “abuse him”]
v8
Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke the wise and he will love you.
v9
Give to a wise one and he will become more wise; teach ^[Literally “make known to”] a righteous one and he will increase learning.
v10
The start of wisdom is fear of Yahweh, and knowledge of the Holy One, ^[Or “holy ones”] insight.
v11
For by me your days shall increase, and years of life shall multiply for you.
v12
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, alone you shall bear it.
v13
A woman of foolishness is loud, simple, and does not know it. ^[Literally “what”]
v14
She sits at the door of her house, upon a throne at the high places of town,
v15
in order to call to those who pass by the road, those who go straight on their way:
v16
“Whoever is simple, may he turn here!” As for he who lacks sense, ^[Literally “heart”] she says to him,
v17
“Stolen waters are sweet, and bread of secrecy is pleasant.”
v18
But he does not know that the dead ^[Or “Rephaim”] are there, in the depths of Sheol ^[A term for the place where the dead reside, i.e., the Underworld] are her guests.