Proverbs 8

8:1

Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice?

8:2

On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand.

8:3

Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out:

8:4

“To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men.

8:5

O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.

8:6

Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.

8:7

For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.

8:8

All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse.

8:9

They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.

8:10

Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

8:11

For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.

8:12

I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.

8:13

To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.

8:14

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.

8:15

By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;

8:16

By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.

8:17

I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.

8:18

With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.

8:19

My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver.

8:20

I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

8:21

bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

8:22

The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old.

8:23

From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.

8:24

When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water.

8:25

Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,

8:26

before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth.

8:27

I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,

8:28

when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,

8:29

when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.

8:30

Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.

8:31

I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.

8:32

Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

8:33

Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.

8:34

Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.

8:35

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD.

8:36

But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”