Proverbs 8:1-16

1Does not 1wisdom call, And understanding 2raise her voice?2On top of 3the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;3Beside the 4gates, at the opening to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:4“To you, people, I call, And my voice is to 5mankind.5You 6naive ones, understand prudence; And, you 7fools, understand 8wisdom!6Listen, for I will speak 9noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal 10right things.7For my 11mouth will proclaim truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing 12crooked or perverted in them.9They are all 13straightforward to him who understands, And right to those who 14find knowledge.10Accept my 15instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.11For wisdom is 16better than 17jewels; And 18all desirable things cannot compare with her.

12“I, wisdom, 19dwell with prudence, And I find 20knowledge and discretion.13The 21fear of the Lord is to hate evil; 22Pride, arrogance, 23the evil way, And the 24perverted mouth, I hate.1425Advice is mine and 26sound wisdom; I am understanding, 27power is mine.15By me 28kings reign, And rulers decree justice.16By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.