Proverbs 8:1-36 NIrV

[1] Doesn’t wisdom call out? Doesn’t understanding raise her voice? [2] At the highest point along the way, she takes her place where the paths meet. [3] Beside the gate leading into the city, she cries out at the entrance. She says, [4] “People, I call out to you. I raise my voice to all human beings. [5] You who are childish, get some good sense. You who are foolish, set your hearts on getting it. [6] Listen! I have things to say that you can depend on. I open my lips to speak what is right. [7] My mouth speaks what is true. My lips hate evil. [8] All the words of my mouth are honest. None of them is twisted or sinful. [9] To those who have understanding, all my words are right. To those who have found knowledge, they are true. [10] Choose my teaching instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than fine gold. [11] Wisdom is worth more than rubies. Nothing you want can compare with her. [12] “I, wisdom, live together with understanding. I have knowledge and good sense. [13] To have respect for the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride and bragging. I hate evil ways and twisted words. [14] I have good sense and give good advice. I have understanding and power. [15] By me kings rule. Leaders make laws that are fair. [16] By me princes and nobles govern. It is by me that anyone rules on earth. [17] I love those who love me. Those who look for me find me. [18] With me are riches and honor. With me are lasting wealth and success. [19] My fruit is better than fine gold. My gifts are better than the finest silver. [20] I walk in ways that are honest. I take paths that are right. [21] I leave riches to those who love me. I give them more than they have room for. [22] “The LORD created me as the first of his works, before his acts of long ago. [23] I was formed a long, long time ago. I was formed at the very beginning, when the world was created. [24] Before there were any oceans, I was born. It was before there were springs flowing with water. [25] Before the mountains were settled in place, I was born. Before there were any hills, I was born. [26] It happened before the LORD made the world and its fields. It was before he made the dust of the earth. [27] I was there when he set the heavens in place. When he marked out the place where the sky meets the sea, I was there. [28] That was when he put the clouds above. It was when he fixed the ocean springs in place. [29] It was when he set limits for the sea so that the waters had to obey his command. When the LORD marked out the foundations of the earth, I was there. [30] I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day. I was always happy to be with him. [31] His whole world filled me with joy. I took delight in all human beings. [32] “My children, listen to me. Blessed are those who keep my ways. [33] Listen to my teaching and be wise. Don’t turn away from it. [34] Blessed are those who listen to me. They watch every day at my doors. They wait beside my doorway. [35] Those who find me find life. They receive blessing from the LORD. [36] But those who don’t find me harm only themselves. Everyone who hates me loves death.”