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

Jehovah possessed me from the beginning of His way, before His works of old.

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

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

I, wisdom, dwell with sense, and find out knowledge of discretions.

Princes rule by me, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.

Counsel and sound wisdom are mine; I am understanding; I have strength.

By me kings reign and princes decree justice.

Riches and honor are with me; enduring riches and righteousness.

I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment;

My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and what I give is better than choice silver.

I was anointed from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth ever was.

When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He set a circle upon the face of the deep;

When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no springs heavy with water.

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

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

I may cause those who love me to inherit riches; and I will fill their treasuries.

O simple ones, understand wisdom; and, fools, be of an understanding heart.

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is hateful to my lips.

She stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the path.

even I was a workman at His side; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him;

before He had made the earth, or the fields or the highest part of the dust of the world.

She cries in the gates, before the entrance of the city, at the doors.

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

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

when He gave to the sea its limit that the waters should not pass His command; when He appointed the foundations of the earth;

when He set the clouds above; when He made the strong fountains of the deep;

rejoicing in the world, His earth; and my delight was with the sons of men.

The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; I hate pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the wicked mouth.

Does not wisdom call? And does not understanding put forth her voice?

Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

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

And now listen to me, O sons; for blessed are those who keep my ways.

But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all who hate me love death.

For whoever finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor from Jehovah.

Hear instruction, and be wise, and do not refuse it.