Proverbs 8:1-16

1Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?

2On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;

3beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:

4"To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.

5O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.

6Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,

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

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

9They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.

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

11for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

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

13The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

14I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.

15By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;

16by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.