Proverbs 8:1-21 - Wisdom Calls

¹ Isn't wisdom calling out; isn't understanding raising her voice? ² On top of the highest places along the road she stands where the roads meet. ³ Beside the gates, at the city entrance at the entrance to the portals she cries aloud: ⁴ "I'm calling to you, men! What I have to say pertains to all mankind! ⁵ Understand prudence, you naive people; and gain an understanding heart, you foolish ones. ⁶ Listen, because I have noble things to say, and what I have to say will reveal what is right. ⁷ For my mouth speaks the truth wickedness is detestable to me. ⁸ Everything I have to say is just; there isn't anything corrupt or perverse in my speech. ⁹ Everything I say is sensible to someone who understands, and correct to those who have acquired knowledge. ¹⁰ Grab hold of my instruction in lieu of money and knowledge instead of the finest gold, ¹¹ because wisdom is better than precious gems and nothing you desire can compare to it." ¹² "I, wisdom, am related to prudence. I know how to be discreet. ¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle, and perverted speech I despise. ¹⁴ Counsel belongs to me, along with sound judgment. I am understanding. Power belongs to me. ¹⁵ Kings reign by me, and rulers dispense justice through me. ¹⁶ By me leaders rule, as do noble officials and all who govern justly. ¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me. ¹⁸ Wealth and honor accompany me, as do enduring wealth and righteousness. ¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, better than even refined gold, and my benefit surpasses the purest silver. ²⁰ I walk on the way of righteousness, along paths that are just, ²¹ I bequeath wealth to those who love me, and I will fill their treasuries."