Proverbs 8:1-16

1Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift her voice?

2On the topmost heights along the way, at the crossroads, she takes her stand.

3Beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:

4“To you, O men, I call out! My cry is to all mankind!

5O naïve ones, learn prudence! Fools, gain understanding!

6Listen, for I speak excellent things, and my lips utter right things.

7For my mouth speaks truth, and my lips detest wickedness.

8All the words of my mouth are righteous, Nothing in them is perverse or crooked.

9All of them are straightforward to the discerning, and right to those who find knowledge.

10Receive my instruction instead of silver and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11For wisdom is better than jewels, nothing you desire compares with her.

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

13To fear Adonai is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and a perverse mouth.

14Counsel and sound wisdom are mine. I have understanding and power.

15By me kings reign and princes decree justice.

16By me princes govern, and all nobles who judge righteously.