Proverbs 8:1-36 AMP

[1] Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice? [2] On the top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, wisdom takes her stand; [3] Beside the gates, at the entrance to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out: [4] “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is directed to the sons of men. [5] O you naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence and seek astute common sense; And, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living]. [6] Listen, for I will speak excellent and noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal right things. [7] For my mouth will utter truth, And wickedness is repulsive and loathsome to my lips. [8] All the words of my mouth are in righteousness (upright, in right standing with God); There is nothing contrary to truth or perverted (crooked) in them. [9] They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind], And right to those who find knowledge and live by it. [10] Take my instruction rather than [seeking] silver, And take knowledge rather than choicest gold, [11] For wisdom is better than rubies; And all desirable things cannot compare with her. [12] “I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage and astute common sense], And I find knowledge and discretion. [13] The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the LORD includes the hatred of evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate. [14] Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power and strength are mine. [15] By me kings reign And rulers decide and decree justice. [16] By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge and govern rightly. [17] I love those who love me; And those who seek me early and diligently will find me. [18] Riches and honor are with me, Enduring wealth and righteousness (right standing with God). [19] My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, And my yield is better than choicest silver. [20] I, [Wisdom, continuously] walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, [21] That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth and true riches, And that I may fill their treasuries. [22] “The LORD created and possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old [were accomplished]. [23] From everlasting I was established and ordained, From the beginning, before the earth existed, [I, godly wisdom, existed]. [24] When there were no ocean depths I was born, When there were no fountains and springs overflowing with water. [25] Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was born; [26] While He had not yet made the earth and the fields, Or the first of the dust of the earth. [27] When He established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there; When He drew a circle upon the face of the deep, [28] When He made firm the skies above, When the fountains and springs of the deep became fixed and strong, [29] When He set for the sea its boundary So that the waters would not transgress [the boundaries set by] 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 before Him always, [31] Rejoicing in the world, His inhabited earth, And having my delight in the sons of men. [32] “Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] are they who keep my ways. [33] Heed (pay attention to) instruction and be wise, And do not ignore or neglect it. [34] Blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. [35] For whoever finds me (Wisdom) finds life And obtains favor and grace from the LORD. [36] But he who fails to find me or sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love and court death.”