1. DOES NOT skillful and godly Wisdom cry out, and understanding raise her voice [in contrast to the loose woman]?
2. On the top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, stands Wisdom [skillful and godly];
3. At the gates at the entrance of the town, at the coming in at 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 simple and thoughtless ones, understand prudence; you [self-confident] fools, be of an understanding heart. [Isa. 32:6.]
6. Hear, for I will speak excellent and princely things; and the opening of my lips shall be for right things.
7. For my mouth shall utter truth, and wrongdoing is detestable and loathsome to my lips.
8. All the words of my mouth are righteous (upright and in right standing with God); there is nothing contrary to truth or crooked in them.
9. They are all plain to him who understands [and opens his heart], and right to those who find knowledge [and live by it].
10. Receive my instruction in preference to [striving for] silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11. For skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. [Job 28:15; Ps. 19:10; 119:127.]
12. I, Wisdom [from God], make prudence my dwelling, and I find out knowledge and discretion. [James 1:5.]
13. The reverent fear and worshipful awe of the Lord [includes] the hatred of evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverted and twisted speech I hate.
14. I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power.
15. By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. [Dan. 2:21; Rom. 13:1.]