Proverbs 8:1-16

1Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice?

2On the top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, wisdom takes her stand;

3Beside the gates, at the entrance to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:

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

5O you naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence and seek astute common sense; And, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living].

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

7For my mouth will utter truth, And wickedness is repulsive and loathsome to my lips.

8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness (upright, in right standing with God); There is nothing contrary to truth or perverted (crooked) in them.

9They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind], And right to those who find knowledge and live by it.

10Take my instruction rather than [seeking] silver, And take knowledge rather than choicest gold,

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

12“I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage and astute common sense], And I find knowledge and discretion.

13The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate.

14Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power and strength are mine.

15By me kings reign And rulers decide and decree justice.

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