Proverbs 8:1-36 ERV

[1] Listen, Wisdom is calling. Yes, Understanding is shouting for us. [2] Wisdom stands at the top of the hill, by the road where the paths meet. [3] She is near the entrance to the city, calling from the open gates. [4] "I am calling out to all of you. I am speaking to everyone. [5] You who are ignorant, learn to be wise. You who are foolish, get some common sense. [6] Listen, I have something important to say, and I am telling you what is right. [7] My words are true, and I will not say anything that is wrong. [8] Everything I say is right; there is nothing false or crooked about it. [9] These things are clear to any intelligent person. They are right to anyone with knowledge. [10] Choose discipline over silver and knowledge over the finest gold. [11] Wisdom is better than pearls, and nothing you desire compares with her. [12] "I am Wisdom. I live with Good Judgment. I am at home with Knowledge and Planning. [13] To respect the LORD means to hate evil. I hate pride and boasting, evil lives and hurtful words. [14] I have good advice and common sense to offer. I have understanding and power. [15] With my help kings rule, and governors make good laws. [16] With my help leaders govern, and important officials make good decisions. [17] I love those who love me, and those who look for me will find me. [18] With me there are riches and honor. I have lasting wealth to give to you. [19] What I give is better than fine gold. What I produce is better than pure silver. [20] I lead people the right way- along the paths of justice. [21] I give riches to those who love me, and I fill their houses with treasures. [22] "The LORD made me in the beginning, long before he did anything else. [23] I was formed a long time ago, before the world was made. [24] I was born before there was an ocean, before the springs began to flow. [25] I was born before the mountains and hills were set into place, [26] before the earth and fields were made, before the dust of this world was formed. [27] I was there when he set up the skies, when he drew a circle in the ocean to make a place for the land. [28] I was there when he put the clouds in the sky and made the deep springs flow. [29] I was there when he set the limits on the sea to make it stop where he said. I was there when he laid the foundations of the earth. [30] I grew up as a child by his side, laughing and playing all the time. [31] I played in the world he made and enjoyed the people he put there. [32] "Now, children, listen to me. If you follow my ways, you will be happy too. [33] Listen to my teaching and be wise; don't ignore what I say. [34] Whoever waits at my door and listens for me will be blessed. [35] Those who find me find life, and the LORD will reward them. [36] But those who do not find me put their lives in danger. Whoever hates me loves death."