Proverbs 8:1-21 ▼

1 Does not wisdom call, And discernment give forth her voice?

2 At the top of the heights upon the way, Where the pathways meet, she takes her stand;

3 Beside the gates, at the opening to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she makes a shout:

4 “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

5 O simple ones, understand prudence; And, O fools, understand a heart of wisdom.

6 Listen, for I will speak noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal upright things.

7 For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

9 They are all straightforward to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.

10 Take my discipline and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest fine gold.

11 For wisdom is better than pearls; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And I find knowledge and discretion.

13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the mouth of perverted words, I hate.

14 Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, might is mine.

15 By me kings reign, And rulers mark out righteousness.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.

17 I love those who love me; And those who earnestly seek me will find me.

18 Riches and glory are with me, Enduring wealth and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than fine gold, even pure gold, And my produce better than choice silver.

20 I walk in the path of righteousness, In the midst of the pathways of justice,

21 To give those who love me an inheritance of wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.