[1] Does not wisdom call, does not understanding raise her voice? [2] On
the heights beside the way, in the paths she takes her stand; [3] beside
the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries
aloud: [4] "To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the sons of men. [5] O
simple ones, learn prudence; O foolish men, pay attention. [6] Hear, for I
will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; [7] for
my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. [8] All
the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in
them. [9] They are all straight to him who understands and right to those
who find knowledge. [10] Take my instruction instead of silver, and
knowledge rather than choice gold; [11] for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. [12] I, wisdom, dwell
in prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. [13] The fear of the LORD
is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted
speech I hate. [14] I have counsel and sound wisdom, I have insight, I have
strength. [15] By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; [16] by
me princes rule, and nobles govern the earth. [17] I love those who love
me, and those who seek me diligently find me. [18] Riches and honor are
with me, enduring wealth and prosperity. [19] My fruit is better than gold,
even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. [20] I walk in the way of
righteousness, in the paths of justice, [21] endowing with wealth those who
love me, and filling their treasuries. [22] The LORD created me at the
beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. [23] Ages ago I was
set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. [24] When there
were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding
with water. [25] Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I
was brought forth; [26] before he had made the earth with its fields, or
the first of the dust of the world. [27] When he established the heavens, I
was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, [28] when he made
firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, [29]
when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not
transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
[30] then I was beside him, like a master workman; and I was daily his
delight, rejoicing before him always, [31] rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the sons of men. [32] And now, my sons, listen to me:
happy are those who keep my ways. [33] Hear instruction and be wise, and do
not neglect it. [34] Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at
my gates, waiting beside my doors. [35] For he who finds me finds life and
obtains favor from the LORD; [36] but he who misses me injures himself; all
who hate me love death."
