Proverbs 8:1-21

Wisdom’s Call 1Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

2At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:

4“To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

5You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it. Septuagint; Hebrew foolish, instruct your minds

6Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.

7My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.

8All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.

9To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.

10Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,

11for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

12“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

13To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

14Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.

15By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;

16by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth. Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; other Hebrew manuscripts all righteous rulers

17I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

18With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

19My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.

20I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

21bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.