Study Desk

For the commandment of the law is a lamp and a light; a way of life; reproof also and correction:

For the value of a harlot is as much as of one loaf; and a woman hunts for the precious souls of men.

It is not to be wondered at if one should be taken stealing, for he steals that when hungry he may satisfy his soul:

For the soul of her husband is full of jealousy: he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

He will not forego his enmity for any ransom: neither will he be reconciled for many gifts.

Say that wisdom is thy sister, and gain prudence as an acquaintance for thyself;

For she looks from a window out of her house into the streets, at one whom she may see of the senseless ones, a young man void of understanding,

For at one time she wanders without, and at another time she lies in wait in the streets, at every corner.

For my husband is not at home, but is gone on a long journey,

and he hastens as a bird into a snare, not knowing that he is running for his life.

for she has wounded and cast down many, and those whom she has slain are innumerable.

For she is on lofty eminences, and stands in the midst of the ways.

For she sits by the gates of princes, and sings in the entrances, saying,

Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn truths; and will produce right sayings from my lips.

For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me.

For wisdom is better than precious stones; and no valuable substance is of equal worth with it.

The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

For he rejoiced when he had completed the world, and rejoiced among the children of men.

For my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in them is prepared favour from the Lord.

Wisdom has built a house for herself, and set up seven pillars.