Proverbs 8:1-36 NLT

[1] Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! [2] On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. [3] By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, [4] "I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. [5] You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. [6] Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, [7] for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. [8] My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. [9] My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. [10] Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. [11] For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. [12] "I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. [13] All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. [14] Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. [15] Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. [16] Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. [17] "I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. [18] I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. [19] My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! [20] I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. [21] Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries. [22] "The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. [23] I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began. [24] I was born before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters. [25] Before the mountains were formed, before the hills, I was born- [26] before he had made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil. [27] I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans. [28] I was there when he set the clouds above, when he established springs deep in the earth. [29] I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth's foundations, [30] I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. [31] And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family! [32] "And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. [33] Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it. [34] Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! [35] For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. [36] But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death."