The Way of Wisdom
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.
She has slaughtered her slaughter; she has mixed her wine; she has also arranged her table.
She has sent out her young women; she calls on the heights of the town:
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To the one who lacks heart she has said,
“Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine I have mixed.
Forsake the simple ones and live, and walk straight in the way of understanding.”
One who corrects a scoffer takes dishonor for himself, and one who rebukes a wicked man gets his blemish.
Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
Give to a wise man, and he will be wiser still; make known to a righteous man, and he will increase learning.
The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For by me your days will be many, and years of life will be added to you.
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
The Way of Folly
The woman of foolishness is clamorous — simpleness, and she does not know anything.
And she sits at the opening of her house, on a seat at the heights of the town,
to call to those who pass by on the way, who make their paths straight:
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to the one who lacks heart she has said,
“Stolen waters are sweet, and bread of secret places is pleasant.”
And he does not know that the shades are there, that her called ones are in the depths of Sheol.