12. ‘I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;I possess knowledge and discretion.
13. To fear the Lord is to hate evil;I hate pride and arrogance,evil behaviour and perverse speech.
14. Counsel and sound judgment are mine;I have insight, I have power.
15. By me kings reignand rulers issue decrees that are just;
16. by me princes govern,and nobles – all who rule on earth.
17. I love those who love me,and those who seek me find me.
18. With me are riches and honour,enduring wealth and prosperity.
19. My fruit is better than fine gold;what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20. I walk in the way of righteousness,along the paths of justice,
21. bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love meand making their treasuries full.
22. ‘The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
23. I was formed long ages ago,at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
24. When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,when there were no springs overflowing with water;
25. before the mountains were settled in place,before the hills, I was given birth,
26. before he made the world or its fieldsor any of the dust of the earth.