9:1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.

9:2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

9:3 She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city.

9:4 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.

9:5 "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.

9:6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.

9:7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.

9:8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

9:9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

9:11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

9:12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

9:13 The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.

9:14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,

9:15 calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way.

9:16 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.

9:17 "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!"

9:18 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.