Proverbs 8:1-16

11Listen! Wisdom is calling out. She wants you to understand what is right, so she speaks in a loud voice.

2She stands where people will hear her, on the hills along the road. She stands where different paths meet.

3She stands near the gates where people go into the city. This is what she says:

4‘I call out to all of you, wherever you live on earth.

5You who are silly, learn to be wise! You who are fools, learn to understand what is right.

6Listen! I have important things to tell you. Everything that I will speak is right.

7I say only things that are true. I hate all wicked lies.

8Everything that I say is right and true. I say nothing that will deceive you.

9If you understand what is right, you will understand all my words. If you have knowledge, you will know that they are true.

10Receive my wise teaching and knowledge as valuable things. They are more valuable than silver or the best gold.

11Wisdom is more valuable than jewels. Nothing that you might ever want is equal to it.

12I, wisdom, live with an honest mind as my friend. I have knowledge and I understand what is right.

13If you respect the Lord with fear, then you will hate anything that is evil. I hate proud people who boast. I hate people who live evil lives. I hate people who say things to deceive others.

14I tell people how to do wise things that are right. I understand what is right and I am strong.

15I help kings to rule well. I help rulers to make fair laws.

16I help leaders, officers and all judges to lead people in a good way.