Proverbs 8

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Wisdom-the Good Woman

8 <1> Listen, Wisdom is calling.

Yes, Understanding is shouting for us.

<2> Wisdom stands at the top of the hill,

by the road where the paths meet.

<3> She is near the entrance to the city,

calling from the open gates.

<4> "I am calling out to all of you.

I am speaking to everyone.

<5> You who are ignorant, learn to be wise.

You who are foolish, get some common sense.

<6> Listen, I have something important to say,

and I am telling you what is right.

<7> My words are true,

and I will not say anything that is wrong.

<8> Everything I say is right;

there is nothing false or crooked about it.

<9> These things are clear

to any intelligent person.

They are right

to anyone with knowledge.

<10> Choose discipline over silver

and knowledge over the finest gold.

<11> Wisdom is better than pearls,

and nothing you desire compares with her.

The Value of Wisdom

<12> "I am Wisdom.

I live with Good Judgment.

I am at home with Knowledge and Planning.

<13> To respect the Lord means to hate evil.

I hate pride and boasting,

evil lives and hurtful words.

<14> I have good advice and common sense to offer.

I have understanding and power.

<15> With my help kings rule,

and governors make good laws.

<16> With my help leaders govern,

and important officials make good decisions.[15]

<17> I love those who love me,

and those who look for me will find me.

<18> With me there are riches and honor.

I have lasting wealth to give to you.

<19> What I give is better than fine gold.

What I produce is better than pure silver.

<20> I lead people the right way-

along the paths of justice.

<21> I give riches to those who love me,

and I fill their houses with treasures.

<22> "The Lord made me in the beginning,

long before he did anything else.

<23> I was formed a long time ago,

before the world was made.

<24> I was born before there was an ocean,

before the springs began to flow.

<25> I was born before the mountains and hills were set into place,

<26> before the earth and fields were made,

before the dust of this world was formed.

<27> I was there

when the Lord set up the skies,

when he drew a circle in the ocean to make a place for the land.

<28> I was there

when he put the clouds in the sky and made the deep springs flow.

<29> I was there

when he set the limits on the sea to make it stop where he said.

I was there

when he laid the foundations of the earth.

<30> I grew up as a child by his side,[16]

laughing and playing all the time.

<31> I played in the world he made

and enjoyed the people he put there.

<32> "Now, children, listen to me.

If you follow my ways,

you will be happy too.

<33> Listen to my teaching and be wise;

don't ignore what I say.

<34> Whoever waits at my door

and listens for me will be blessed.

<35> Those who find me find life,

and the Lord will reward them.

<36> But those who do not find me

put their lives in danger.

Whoever hates me loves death."