Proverbs 8:1-21 - Wisdom Calls
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And understanding lift up her voice?
On the top of the heights beside the way,
Where the paths meet, wisdom takes her stand;
Beside the gates, at the entrance to the city,
At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:
“To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is directed to the sons of men.
“O you naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence and seek astute common sense;
And, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living].
“Listen, for I will speak excellent and noble things;
And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.
“For my mouth will utter truth,
And wickedness is repulsive and loathsome to my lips.
“All the words of my mouth are in righteousness (upright, in right standing with God);
There is nothing contrary to truth or perverted (crooked) in them.
“They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind],
And right to those who find knowledge and live by it.
“Take my instruction rather than [seeking] silver,
And take knowledge rather than choicest gold,
“For wisdom is better than rubies;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.
“I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage and astute common sense],
And I find knowledge and discretion.
“The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way,
And the perverted mouth, I hate.
“Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, power and strength are mine.
“By me kings reign
And rulers decide and decree justice.
“By me princes rule, and nobles,
All who judge and govern rightly.
“I love those who love me;
And those who seek me early and diligently will find me.
“Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness (right standing with God).
“My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield is better than choicest silver.
“I, [Wisdom, continuously] walk in the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,
That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth and true riches,
And that I may fill their treasuries.