Proverbs 8:1-36 NCV

[1] Wisdom calls to you like someone shouting; understanding raises her voice. [2] On the hilltops along the road and at the crossroads, she stands calling. [3] Beside the city gates, at the entrances into the city, she calls out: [4] "Listen, everyone, I'm calling out to you; I am shouting to all people. [5] You who are uneducated, seek wisdom. You who are foolish, get understanding. [6] Listen, because I have important things to say, and what I tell you is right. [7] What I say is true, I refuse to speak evil. [8] Everything I say is honest; nothing I say is crooked or false. [9] People with good sense know what I say is true; and those with knowledge know my words are right. [10] Choose my teachings instead of silver, and knowledge rather than the finest gold. [11] Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing you could want is equal to it. [12] "I am wisdom, and I have good judgment. I also have knowledge and good sense. [13] If you respect the LORD, you will also hate evil. I hate pride and bragging, evil ways and lies. [14] I have good sense and advice, and I have understanding and power. [15] I help kings to govern and rulers to make fair laws. [16] Princes use me to lead, and so do all important people who judge fairly. [17] I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. [18] Riches and honor are mine to give. So are wealth and lasting success. [19] What I give is better than the finest gold, better than the purest silver. [20] I do what is right and follow the path of justice. [21] I give wealth to those who love me, filling their houses with treasures. [22] "I, wisdom, was with the LORD when he began his work, long before he made anything else. [23] I was created in the very beginning, even before the world began. [24] I was born before there were oceans, or springs overflowing with water, [25] before the hills were there, before the mountains were put in place. [26] God had not made the earth or fields, not even the first dust of the earth. [27] I was there when God put the skies in place, when he stretched the horizon over the oceans, [28] when he made the clouds above and put the deep underground springs in place. [29] I was there when he ordered the sea not to go beyond the borders he had set. I was there when he laid the earth's foundation. [30] I was like a child by his side. I was delighted every day, enjoying his presence all the time, [31] enjoying the whole world, and delighted with all its people. [32] "Now, my children, listen to me, because those who follow my ways are happy. [33] Listen to my teaching, and you will be wise; do not ignore it. [34] Happy are those who listen to me, watching at my door every day, waiting at my open doorway. [35] Those who find me find life, and the LORD will be pleased with them. [36] Those who do not find me hurt themselves. Those who hate me love death."