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 fieldsand the first handfuls of soil.