1 Wisdom has built her housewith its seven columns.
2 She has prepared the meatand set out the wine.Her feast is ready.
3 She has sent her servant womento announce her invitationfrom the highest hills:
4 “Everyone who is ignorantor foolish is invited!
5 All of you are welcometo my meat and wine.
6 If you want to live,give up your foolishnessand let understandingguide your steps.”
7 Correct a worthless boaster,and all you will getare insults and injuries.
8 Any boaster you correctwill only hate you.But if you correct someonewho has common sense,you will be loved.
9 If you have good sense,instruction will help youto have even better sense.And if you live right,education will help youto know even more.
10 Respect and obey the Lord!This is the beginningof wisdom.To have understanding,you must know the Holy God.
11 I am Wisdom. If you follow me,you will live a long time.
12 Good sense is good for you,but if you boast,you hurt yourself.
13 Stupidity is reckless,senseless, and foolish.
14 She sits in front of her houseand on the highest hillsin the town.
15 She shouts to everyonewho passes by,
16 “If you are stupid,come on inside!”And to every fool she says,
17 “Stolen water tastes best,and the food you eat in secrettastes best of all.”
18 None who listen to Stupidityunderstand that her guestsare as good as dead.