[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.
[17] “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, 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.”