Proverbs 8:1–21

Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

¹Listen as Wisdom calls out!

Hear as understanding raises her voice!

²On the hilltop along the road,

she takes her stand at the crossroads.

³By the gates at the entrance to the town,

on the road leading in, she cries aloud,

⁴“I call to you, to all of you!

I raise my voice to all people.

⁵You simple people, use good judgment.

You foolish people, show some understanding.

⁶Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.

Everything I say is right,

⁷for I speak the truth

and detest every kind of deception.

⁸My advice is wholesome.

There is nothing devious or crooked in it.

⁹My words are plain to anyone with understanding,

clear to those with knowledge.

¹⁰Choose my instruction rather than silver,

and knowledge rather than pure gold.

¹¹For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.

Nothing you desire can compare with it.

¹²“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.

I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.

¹³All who fear the Lord will hate evil.

Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,

corruption and perverse speech.

¹⁴Common sense and success belong to me.

Insight and strength are mine.

¹⁵Because of me, kings reign,

and rulers make just decrees.

¹⁶Rulers lead with my help,

and nobles make righteous judgments.

¹⁷“I love all who love me.

Those who search will surely find me.

¹⁸I have riches and honor,

as well as enduring wealth and justice.

¹⁹My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,

my wages better than sterling silver!

²⁰I walk in righteousness,

in paths of justice.

²¹Those who love me inherit wealth.

I will fill their treasuries.