Proverbs 8

The Blessings of Wisdom [1] Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? [2] On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads 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 children of man. [5] O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. [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 with 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, all who govern justly. [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 righteousness. [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] granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries. [22] “The LORD possessed 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 children of man. [32] “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. [33] Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. [34] Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. [35] For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, [36] but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” (ESV)