Proverbs 8:1-16 ▼

1 Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice?

2 On top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3 Beside the gates, at the opening to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:

4 |To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

5 |O naive ones, understand prudence; And, O fools, understand wisdom.

6 |Listen, for I will speak noble things; And the opening of my lips [will reveal] right things.

7 |For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 |All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverted in them.

9 |They are all straightforward to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.

10 |Take my instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest gold.

11 |For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

12 |I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And I find knowledge [and] discretion.

13 |The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate.

14 |Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.

15 |By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

16 |By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.