Proverbs 8:1-36 VOICE

[1] Isn't Lady Wisdom calling? Listen; don't you hear the voice of understanding crying out? [2] She's taken her stand at the highest place in the city, at the crossroads where everyone can see her. [3] There, and at the gates, at the entrance to the city, right in front of the city doors she cries out: [4] Lady Wisdom: O people! I am calling to you; I have a message for all humanity. [5] You gullible people, acquire insight. You naive ones, cultivate a heart that truly understands. [6] Listen, for I am about to tell you of unparalleled excellence and beauty; what I am about to say will set things right. [7] I will only speak the truth; I despise evil, so it will not pass through my lips. [8] Everything I say promotes justice; not one word is crooked, and nothing is distorted. [9] Each and every word is straight talk to perceptive people, upright and honest to knowledge-seekers. [10] Accept my correction as being more valuable than your prized possession, authentic knowledge more valuable than pure gold. [11] You see, no gem is more precious than Lady Wisdom- your most extravagant desire doesn't come close to her. [12] Lady Wisdom: I make my home with prudence; I obtain knowledge and sound judgment. [13] If you respect the Eternal, you will grow to despise evil. I despise wretched, vile talk and ways of pride and arrogance. [14] Good counsel is mine, and also true wisdom. I am understanding, and strength belongs to me. [15] It's because of me that kings wield power and authorities decree what is right. [16] It's because of me that leaders and their agents govern and all judge according to what is right. [17] I love those who love me; those who search hard for me will find me. [18] Riches and honor are the benefit of following me; so are lasting wealth and justice. [19] My reward is better than gold, even the purest gold; and my profit is greater than the highest quality silver. [20] I follow the way of right living. Follow me along the path to find justice; [21] I'm ready to meet those who love me, bestow true riches upon them, and fill up their lives until their treasuries overflow. [22] The Eternal created me; it happened when His work was beginning, one of His first acts long ago. [23] Before time He established me, before the earth saw its first sunrise. [24] I was born before the deep existed, before any springs poured out their water, [25] Before the mountains were placed on their foundations, before the hills rolled across the land- yes, before all this, I was brought forth. [26] When the earth was yet unformed and the fields were not yet nestled beneath the wind- even before the first dust of the earth- [27] When He created the heavens, I was there. When He drew a circle in the deep, dividing the oceans and the sky, I was there. [28] I was there when He established the sky. I was there when the springs in the deep were fortified; [29] I witnessed Him lay down the shore as a boundary and put limits on the water And determine the foundations of the earth. [30] All this time I was close beside Him, a master craftsman. Every day I was His delightful companion, celebrating every minute in His presence, [31] Elated by the world He was making and all its fine creatures; I was especially pleased with humanity. [32] So now listen to me, my children: those who live by my ways will find true happiness. [33] Pay attention to my guidance, dare to be wise, and don't disregard my teachings. [34] The one who listens to me, who carefully seeks me in everyday things and delays action until my way is apparent, that one will find true happiness. [35] For when he recognizes and follows me, he finds a peaceful and satisfying life and receives favor from the Eternal. [36] But heed my warning: the one who goes against me will only hurt himself, for all who despise me are playing with fire and courting death.