The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

For by me thy days shall be multiplied, And the years of thy life shall be increased.

If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it.

To call to them that pass by, Who go right on their ways:

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,

Stolen waters are sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

The foolish woman is clamorous;'she is'simple, and knoweth nothing.

And she sitteth at the door of her house, On a seat in the high places of the city,

But he knoweth not that the dead are there; That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.

Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars:

Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.

She hath killed her beasts; She hath mingled her wine; She hath also furnished her table:

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: As for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,

She hath sent forth her maidens; She crieth upon the highest places of the city:

Come, eat ye of my bread, And drink of the wine which I have mingled.