for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.

Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares.

She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:

She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.

She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her, and those who hold on to her are blessed

Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you.

Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her.

She will give to your head a garland of grace. She will deliver a crown of splendor to you."

Take firm hold of instruction. Do not let her go. Keep her, for she is your life.

But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword.

She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it.

haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood;

She is loud and defiant. Her feet do not stay in her house.

Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner.

So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him:

With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.

for she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.

On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she stands.

Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.

She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.

She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city:

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,

She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.

"So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.'

for an unloved woman when she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.

She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.

She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.

She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.

She girds her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't go out by night.

She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.

Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.