Proverbs 8:1-21 - Wisdom Calls

¹ Doth not wisdom cry, and give her voice to intelligence? ² She stands in the top of high places, by the way at the crossroads of the paths. ³ She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. ⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men. ⁵ O ye simple, understand prudence; and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. ⁶ Hear, for I will speak of excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things. ⁷ For my mouth shall speak truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. ⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing perverse or twisted in them. ⁹ They are all plain to him that understands and right to those that have found wisdom. ¹⁰ Receive my chastening and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold. ¹¹ For wisdom is better than precious stones; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. ¹² I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I invent the knowledge of giving counsel. ¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride, arrogancy, the evil way, and the perverse mouth, do I hate. ¹⁴ With me is counsel, and existence; I am understanding; strength belongs to me. ¹⁵ By me the kings reign, and the princes decree justice. ¹⁶ By me the princes rule, and all of the governors judge the earth. ¹⁷ I love those that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. ¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me, yea, durable riches and righteousness. ¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than precious stones, and my revenue than choice silver. ²⁰ I shall lead in the way of righteousness in the midst of the paths of judgment, ²¹ that I may cause my friends to inherit existence and I will fill their treasures.