They are all plain to such as will understand, and right to them that find knowledge.

"The LORD himself had me in possession in the beginning of his ways, before he began his works afore time.

Receive my doctrine therefore, and not silver: and my knowledge, more than fine gold.

For wisdom is more worth than precious stones; yea, all the things that thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto it.

"I, wisdom, have my dwelling with knowledge, and prudent counsel is mine own.

Through me, lords bear rule, and all judges of the earth execute judgment.

I can give counsel, and be a guide: I have understanding, I have strength.

Through me, kings reign: through me, princes make just laws.

Riches and honour are with me; yea, excellent goods and righteousness.

I walk in the way of righteousness, and in the street of judgment:

My fruit is better than gold, and precious stones, and mine increase more worth than fine silver.

I have been ordained from everlasting, and from the beginning before the earth was made.

For when he made the heavens, I was present; when he set up the depths in order;

When I was born, there were neither depths nor springs of water.

Give ear, for I will speak of great matters, and open my lips to tell things that be right.

All the words of my mouth are righteous, there is no frowardness nor falsity therein.

That I may send prosperity to those that love me, and to increase their treasure.

Take heed unto knowledge, O ye ignorant; be wise in heart, O ye fools.

For my throat shall be talking of the truth, and my lips abhor ungodliness.

Standeth she not in the high places in the streets and ways?

I was with him, ordering all things, delighting daily, and rejoicing always before him.

The earth and all that is upon the earth was not yet made, no not the ground itself.

Doth she not cry before the whole city, and in the gates where men go out and in?

Before the foundations of the mountains were laid, yea before all hills was I born.

"It is you, O ye men," sayeth she, "whom I call! Unto you, O ye children of men, lift I up my voice.

When he shut the sea within certain bounds, that the waters should not go over their marks. When he laid the foundations of the earth,

when he hanged the clouds above; when he fastened the springs of the deep;

As for the round compass of his world, I make it joyful: for my delight is to be among the children of men.

With me is the fear of the LORD, and the eschewing of evil. As for pride, disdain, and evil way, and a mouth that speaketh wicked things, I utterly abhor them.

Doth not wisdom cry? Doth not understanding put forth her voice?

Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, and giving attendance at the posts of my doors.

I am loving unto those that love me, and they that seek me early, shall find me.

"Therefore hearken unto me, O ye children, for blessed are they that keep my ways.

But whoso offendeth against me, hurteth his own soul. All they that hate me, are the lovers of death."

For whoso findeth me, findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

O give ear unto nurture, be wise, and refuse it not.