[1] Listen! Wisdom and Understanding are calling for you to listen.
[2] They stand at the top of the hill by the road where the paths meet.
[3] They are near the gates of the city. They are calling out from the open doors.
[4] ˻Wisdom says,˼ “Men, I call out to you. I call out to all people.
[5] If you are foolish, learn to be wise. Foolish men, learn to understand.
[6] Listen! The things I teach are important. I tell you things that are right.
[7] My words are true. I hate evil lies.
[8] The things I say are right. There is nothing false or wrong in my words.
[9] All these sayings are clear to the person who has understanding. The person with knowledge understands these things.
[10] Accept my discipline. It is worth more than silver. It is worth more than the best gold.
[11] Wisdom is worth more than pearls. It is worth more than anything a person can want.”
[12] “I am Wisdom. I live with good judgment. You can find me with Knowledge and Good Planning.
[13] If a person respects the Lord, then that person will hate evil. I ˻(Wisdom)˼ hate pride and people who think they are better than other people. I hate evil ways, and a lying mouth.
[14] But I give people the ability to make good decisions and have good judgment. I give understanding and power!
[15] Kings use me to rule. Rulers use me to make fair laws.
[16] Every good ruler on earth uses me to rule the people under them.
[17] I love people who love me. And if people try hard to find me, they will find me.
[18] I also have riches and honor to give. I give true wealth and success.
[19] The things I give are better than fine gold. And my gifts are better than pure silver.
[20] I lead people in the right way. I lead them along the paths of right judgment.
[21] I give wealth to people who love me. Yes, I fill their houses with treasures.
[22] I was the first thing the Lord made, long ago in the beginning.
[23] I was made in the beginning. I was made first, before the world.
[24] I was formed before the oceans; I was made before there was water.
[25] I was born before the mountains. I was born before the hills.
[26] I was born before the Lord made the earth. I was born before the fields. I was born before God made the first dust of the world.
[27] I was there when the Lord made the skies. I was there when the Lord drew the circle around the land and set the limits for the ocean.
[28] I was born before the Lord put the clouds in the sky. And I was there when the Lord put water in the ocean.
[29] I was there when the Lord set the limits for water in the seas. The water can’t rise higher than the Lord allows. I was there when the Lord made the foundations of the earth.
[30] I was beside him like a skilled worker. The Lord was happy every day because of me. I made him laugh and be happy all the time.
[31] The Lord was excited about the world he made. He was happy about the people that he put there.
[32] “Now, children, listen to me! You can be happy too, if you follow my ways!
[33] Listen to my teachings and become wise. Don’t refuse to listen.
[34] The person who listens to me will be happy. He watches every day at my doors. He waits at my doorway.
[35] Any person who finds me finds life. He will get good things from the Lord!
[36] But the person who sins against me hurts himself. All people who hate me love death!”