Wisdom Calls

8 Does not wisdom call,

and understanding raise its voice?

2 ⌊Atop the heights⌋a beside the road,

at the crossroads she stands.

3 Beside gates, before towns,

at the entrance of doors, she cries out:

4 “To you, O ⌊people⌋,b I call,

and my cry is to the children of humankind.

5 Learn prudence, O simple ones;

fools, learn ⌊intelligence⌋.c

6 Listen! For noble things I will speak,

and upright things from the opening of my lips.

7 My mouth will utter truth,

and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All sayings of my mouth are in righteousness;

none of them are twisted and crooked.

9 All of them are straight to him who understands,

and upright to those who find knowledge.

10 Take my teaching and not silver;

may you choose knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 For wisdom is better than jewels,

and all desires shall not compare with her.