Proverbs 8

[1] Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? [2] She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. [3] She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: [4] "To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. [5] O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. [6] Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; [7] For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. [8] All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. [9] They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. [10] Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; [11] For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. [12] "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. [13] The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. [14] Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. [15] By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. [16] By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. [17] I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. [18] Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. [19] My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver. [20] I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, [21] That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries. [22] "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. [23] I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth. [24] When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. [25] Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth; [26] While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world. [27] When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, [28] When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, [29] When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth, [30] Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, [31] Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men. [32] "Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. [33] Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. [34] Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. [35] For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD; [36] But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death." (Proverbs 8:1-36 NKJV)