1
Wisdom has built a house for herself, And set up seven pillars.
2
She has killed her beasts; She has mingled her wine in a bowl, And prepared her table.
3
She has sent forth her servants, Calling with a loud proclamation to the feast, saying,
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Whoso is foolish, let him turn aside to me: And to them that want understanding she says,
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Come, eat of my bread, And drink wine which I have mingled for you.
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Leave folly, that ye may reign forever; And seek wisdom, And improve understanding by knowledge.
7
He that reproves evil men shall get dishonor to himself; And he that rebukes an ungodly man shall disgrace himself.
8
Rebuke not evil men, lest they should hate thee: Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9
Give an opportunity to a wise man, and he will be wiser: Instruct a just man, and he will receive more instruction.
10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the counsel of saints is understanding: the character of a sound mind.
11
And years of thy life shall be added to thee.
12
And if thou shouldest prove wicked, thou alone wilt bear the evil. And the same will pursue birds in their flight: And he has caused the axles of his own husbandry to go astray; And a land appointed to drought, And he gathers barrenness with his hands.
13
Comes to want a morsel.
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On a seat openly in the streets,
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And to those that are going right on their ways;
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saying, Whoso is most senseless of you, let him turn aside to me; And I exhort those that want prudence, saying,
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And the sweet water of theft.
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And he falls in with a snare of hell. Neither fix thine eye upon her: And drink not of a strange fountain, And years of life may be added to thee.