Proverbs 8

Chapter 8

Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

1 Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Hear as understanding raises her voice!2 On the hilltop along the road,
she takes her stand at the crossroads.3 By 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.5 You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.6 Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right,7 for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.8 My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.9 My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.10 Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.11 For 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.13 All who fear the LORD will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.14 Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.15 Because of me, kings reign,
and rulers make just decrees.16 Rulers lead with my help,
and nobles make righteous judgments.t17 “I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.18 I have riches and honor,
as well as enduring wealth and justice.19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!20 I walk in righteousness,
in paths of justice.21 Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.22 “The LORD formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.23 I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.24 I was born before the oceans were created,
before the springs bubbled forth their waters.25 Before the mountains were formed,
before the hills, I was born—26 before he had made the earth and fields
and the first handfuls of soil.27 I was there when he established the heavens,
when he drew the horizon on the oceans.28 I was there when he set the clouds above,
when he established springs deep in the earth.29 I was there when he set the limits of the seas,
so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.
And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,30 I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight,
rejoicing always in his presence.31 And how happy I was with the world he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!32 “And so, my children,t listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don’t ignore it.34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!35 For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the LORD.36 But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.”

PROVERBS 8

In Praise of Wisdom

1  t With great understanding,
Wisdomt is calling out

2 as she stands at the crossroads
and on every hill.

3 She stands by the city gate
where everyone enters the city,
and she shouts:

4 “I am calling out
to each one of you!

5 Good sense and sound judgment
can be yours.

6 Listen, because what I say
is worthwhile and right.

7 I always speak the truth
and refuse to tell a lie.

8 Every word I speak is honest,
not one is misleading
or deceptive.

9 “If you have understanding,
you will see that my words
are just what you need.

10 Let instruction and knowledge
mean more to you than silver
or the finest gold.

11  t Wisdom is worth much more
than precious jewels
or anything else you desire.”

Wisdom Speaks

12 I am Wisdomt—Common Sense
is my closest friend;
I possess knowledge
and sound judgment.

13 If you respect the [Lord],
you will hate evil.
I hate pride and conceit
and deceitful lies.

14 I am strong, and I offer
sensible advice
and sound judgment.

15 By my power kings govern,
and rulers make laws
that are fair.

16 Every honest leader rules
with help from me.

17 I love everyone who loves me,
and I will be found by all
who honestly search.

18 I can make you rich and famous,
important and successful.

19 What you receive from me
is more valuable
than even the finest gold
or the purest silver.

20 I always do what is right,

21 and I give great riches
to everyone who loves me.

22  t From the beginning,
I was with the [Lord].t
I was there before he began

23 to create the earth.
At the very first,
the [Lord] gave life tot me.

24 When I was born,
there were no oceans
or springs of water.

25 My birth was before
mountains were formed
or hills were put in place.

26 It happened long before God
had made the earth
or any of its fields
or even the dust.

27  t I was there when the [Lord]
put the heavens in place
and stretched the sky
over the surface of the sea.

28 I was with him when he placed
the clouds in the sky
and created the springs
that fill the ocean.

29 I was there when he set
boundaries for the sea
to make it obey him,
and when he laid foundations
to support the earth.

30 I was right beside the [Lord],
helping him plan and build.t
I made him happy each day,
and I was happy at his side.

31 I was pleased with his world
and pleased with its people.

32  t Pay attention, my children!
Follow my advice,
and you will be happy.

33 Listen carefully
to my instructions,
and you will be wise.

34 Come to my home each day
and listen to me.
You will find happiness.

35 By finding me, you find life,
and the [Lord] will be pleased
with you.

36 But if you don't find me,
you hurt only yourself,
and if you hate me,
you are in love with death.