Proverbs 8:1–21

Wisdom’s Announcement

¹Does not wisdom call out? 

Does not understanding raise its voice? 

²⸤Wisdom⸥ takes its stand on high ground, 

by the wayside where the roads meet, 

³near the gates to the city. 

At the entrance ⸤wisdom⸥ sings its song, 

⁴“I am calling to all of you, 

and my appeal is to all people. 

⁵You gullible people, learn how to be sensible. 

You fools, get a heart that has understanding. 

⁶Listen! I am speaking about noble things, 

and my lips will say what is right. 

⁷My mouth expresses the truth, 

and wickedness is disgusting to my lips. 

⁸Everything I say is fair, 

and there is nothing twisted or crooked in it. 

⁹All of it is clear to a person who has understanding 

and right to those who have acquired knowledge. 

¹⁰Take my discipline, not silver, 

and my knowledge rather than fine gold, 

¹¹because wisdom is better than jewels. 

Nothing you desire can equal it. 

Wisdom’s Authority

¹²“I, Wisdom, live with insight, 

and I acquire knowledge and foresight. 

¹³To fear the Lord is to hate evil. 

I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech. 

¹⁴Advice and priceless wisdom are mine. 

I, Understanding, have strength. 

¹⁵Through me kings reign, 

and rulers decree fair laws. 

¹⁶Through me princes rule, 

so do nobles and all fair judges. 

¹⁷I love those who love me. 

Those eagerly looking for me will find me. 

¹⁸I have riches and honor, 

lasting wealth and righteousness. 

¹⁹What I produce is better than gold, pure gold. 

What I yield is better than fine silver. 

²⁰I walk in the way of righteousness, on the paths of justice, 

²¹to give an inheritance to those who love me 

and to fill their treasuries.