1. Does not wisdom call out?Does not understanding raise her voice?
2. At the top of the elevated places along the way,at the intersection of the paths she takes her stand;
3. beside the gates opening into the city,at the entrance of the doorways she cries out:
4. “To you, O people, I call out,and my voice calls to all mankind.
5. You who are naive, discern wisdom!And you fools, understand discernment!
6. Listen, for I will speak excellent things,and my lips will utter what is right.
7. For my mouth speaks truth,and my lips hate wickedness.
8. All the words of my mouth are righteous;there is nothing in them twisted or crooked.
9. All of them are clear to the discerningand upright to those who find knowledge.
10. Receive my instruction rather than silver,and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11. For wisdom is better than rubies,and desirable things cannot be compared to her.
12. “I, wisdom, live with prudence,and I find knowledge and discretion.
13. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;I hate arrogant pride and the evil wayand perverse utterances.
14. Counsel and sound wisdom belong to me;I possess understanding and might.
15. Kings reign by means of me,and potentates decree righteousness;
16. by me princes rule,as well as nobles and all righteous judges.
17. I love those who love me,and those who seek me find me.