The Bible in Basic English BBE
New International Version NIV
1 Wisdom has made her house, putting up her seven pillars.
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Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.
2 She has put her fat beasts to death; her wine is mixed, her table is ready.
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She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her women-servants; her voice goes out to the highest places of the town, saying,
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She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city,
4 Whoever is simple, let him come in here; and to him who has no sense, she says:
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“Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says,
5 Come, take of my bread, and of my wine which is mixed.
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“Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Give up the simple ones and have life, and go in the way of knowledge.
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Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
7 He who gives teaching to a man of pride gets shame for himself; he who says sharp words to a sinner gets a bad name.
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Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8 Do not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him.
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Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9 Give teaching to a wise man, and he will become wiser; give training to an upright man, and his learning will be increased.
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Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the start of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One gives a wise mind
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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be increased, and the years of your life will be long.
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For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if your heart is full of pride, you only will have the pain of it.
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If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.