Proverbs 8:1-14 ▼

1 Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice?

2 On the top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, wisdom takes her stand;

3 Beside the gates, at the entrance to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:

4 “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is directed to the sons of men.

5 “O you naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence and seek astute common sense; And, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living].

6 “Listen, for I will speak excellent and noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.

7 “For my mouth will utter truth, And wickedness is repulsive and loathsome to my lips.

8 “All the words of my mouth are in righteousness (upright, in right standing with God); There is nothing contrary to truth or perverted (crooked) in them.

9 “They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind], And right to those who find knowledge and live by it.

10 “Take my instruction rather than [seeking] silver, And take knowledge rather than choicest gold,

11 For wisdom is better than rubies; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

12 “I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage and astute common sense], And I find knowledge and discretion.

13 “The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the LORD includes the hatred of evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate.

14 “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power and strength are mine.