Proverbs 8:1-36 WEB

[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 Yahweh 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, honor, 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] “Yahweh 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 favor from Yahweh. [36] But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death.”