< Proverbs 8

[1] Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

[2] She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

[3] She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

[4] Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

[5] O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

[6] Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

[7] For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

[8] All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

[9] They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

[10] Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

[11] For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

[12] I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

[13] The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

[14] Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

[15] By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

[16] By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

[17] I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

[18] Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

[19] My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

[20] I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

[21] That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

[22] The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

[23] I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

[24] When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

[25] Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

[26] While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

[27] When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

[28] When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

[29] When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

[30] Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

[31] Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

[32] Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

[33] Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

[34] Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

[35] For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

[36] But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.