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.

12 I, wisdom, live with prudence,

and I find knowledge and discretion.

13 The fear of Yahweh is hatred of evil,

pride, and arrogance and an evil way.

And I hate a mouth of perversity.

14 ⌊Advice and sound judgment⌋d are mine;

I am understanding, ⌊strength is mine⌋.e

15 By me kings reign,

and rulers decree righteousness.

16 By me rulers rule,

and nobles—all judges of righteousness.

17 I love ⌊those who love me⌋,f

and those who seek me diligently shall find me.

18 Fortune and glory are with me,

enduring wealth and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold,g even refined gold,

and my yield than choice silver.

20 In the way of righteousness I walk,

in the midst of paths of justice,

21 in order to endow those who love me with wealth,

and I will fill their treasuries.