Chapter 8
1 Doesn’t wisdom cry out ? Doesn’t understanding raise her voice ?
2 On the top of high places by the way , where the paths meet, she stands .
3 Beside the gates , at the entry of the city , at the entry doors , she cries aloud :
4 " I call to you men ! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
5 You simple , understand prudence ! You fools , be of an understanding heart !
6 Hear , for I will speak excellent things . The opening of my lips is for right things .
7 For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips .
8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness . There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
9 They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge .
10 Receive my instruction rather than silver , knowledge rather than choice gold .
11 For wisdom is better than rubies . All the things that may be desired can ’t be compared to it .
12 " I , wisdom , have made prudence my dwelling . Find out knowledge and discretion .
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil . I hate pride , arrogance , the evil way , and the perverse mouth .
14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power .
15 By me kings reign , and princes decree justice .
16 By me princes rule , nobles , and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
17 I love those who love me . Those who seek me diligently will find me .
18 With me are riches , honour , enduring wealth , and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than gold , yes, than fine gold , my yield than choice silver .
20 I walk in the way of righteousness , in the middle of the paths of justice ,
21 that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.
22 " The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old .
23 I was set up from everlasting , from the beginning , before the earth existed.
24 When there were no depths , I was born , when there were no springs abounding with water .
25 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills , I was born ;
26 while as yet he had not made the earth , nor the fields , nor the beginning of the dust of the world .
27 When he established the heavens , I was there . When he set a circle on the surface of the deep ,
28 when he established the clouds above , when the springs of the deep became strong ,
29 when he gave to the sea its boundary , that the waters should not violate his commandment , when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day , always rejoicing before him ,
31 rejoicing in his whole world . My delight was with the sons of men .
32 " Now therefore , my sons , listen to me , for blessed are those who keep my ways .
33 Hear instruction , and be wise . Don’t refuse it.
34 Blessed is the man who hears me , watching daily at my gates , waiting at my door posts .
35 For whoever finds me finds life , and will obtain favour from the LORD .
36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul . All those who hate me love death ."