Proverbs 8:1-21 - Wisdom Calls

¹ Does wisdom cry out? Does understanding direct her voice? ² She takes her stand on top of high places and in the street intersections. ³ She cries out at the gates, at the entrance by the doors: ⁴ I call to you men. My voice is to the sons of man. ⁵ O you simple ones, understand wisdom and, you fools, be of an understanding heart. ⁶ Listen for I speak of excellent things. The truth comes from my lips. ⁷ My mouth will speak truth! Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. ⁸ All my speech is righteous. Nothing crooked or perverse comes from my mouth. ⁹ They are all straight talk to him who understands. It is proper to those who find knowledge. ¹⁰ Receive my instruction and not silver. Take knowledge rather than choice gold. ¹¹ For wisdom is better than pearls. Nothing desirable compares to it. ¹² Wisdom dwells with discretion and it finds knowledge and sound judgment. ¹³ Respect for Jehovah means to hate evil. I hate: pride, and arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. ¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I understand and I am very strong. ¹⁵ Kings reign by me, and princes decree justice. ¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. ¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who earnestly seek me will find me. ¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me. Yes, durable riches and righteousness. ¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, better than fine gold. My yield is better than choice silver. ²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: ²¹ I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.