Proverbs 8:1-16 ▼

1 Doth not wisdom cry, and understanding put forth her voice?

2 In the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she standeth;

3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:

4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men.

5 O ye simple, understand subtilty; and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

7 For my mouth shall utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

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

9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto her.

12 I wisdom have made subtilty my dwelling, and find out knowledge and discretion.

13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

14 Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might.

15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.