Proverbs 8:1-30 ▼

1 THEREFORE preach wisdom, and understanding will answer you.

2 For wisdom is on the top of high places, she stands between the ways and by the paths.

3 She cries at the gates, at the entrance of the city; she cries aloud, saying,

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

5 So that the simple ones may understand prudence and the fools understand in their heart.

6 Hear, for I will speak truth; and the opening of my mouth shall bring forth uprightness.

7 For my mouth shall speak truth, and lying lips are an abomination before me.

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

9 They are all plain to him who understands them, and right to those who are willing to find knowledge.

10 Receive discipline and not silver; and choose for yourself knowledge rather than fine gold.

11 For wisdom is much better than fine gold; yea, she is better than precious stones, and nothing can be compared to her.

12 I wisdom have created prudence, and I posses knowledge and reason.

13 Reverence of the LORD despises evil; pride, arrogance, evil ways, and perverse speech do I hate.

14 counsel and sound doctrine are mine; mine is understanding and might.

15 By me kings reign and princes decree justice.

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

17 I love those who love me; and those who seek me shall find me.

18 Riches and honor are mine; yea, enduring riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than fine gold, and my ingathering than choice silver.

20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,

21 That I may cause those that love me to have hope; and I will fill their treasuries.

22 The LORD created me as the first of his creations, before all of his works.

23 I was established from everlasting, from the beginning, before he made the earth.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills were formed was I conceived;

26 While as yet he had not made the earth nor the valleys nor the best soil of the world.

27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle upon the face of the deep;

28 When he made firm the clouds above; when he strengthened the fountains of the deep;

29 When he gave to the sea its bounds, that the waters should not transgress his commandment; when he laid down the foundations of the earth:

30 I together with him was establishing them; and daily I was his delight, rejoicing always before him,