Proverbs 8
- 1
Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? Begin Abide·
- 2
On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. Begin Abide·
- 3
Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: Begin Abide·
- 4
“To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men. Begin Abide·
- 5
O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. Begin Abide·
- 6
Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right. Begin Abide·
- 7
For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips. Begin Abide·
- 8
All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse. Begin Abide·
- 9
They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. Begin Abide·
- 10
Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. Begin Abide·
- 11
For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. Begin Abide·
- 12
I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. Begin Abide·
- 13
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. Begin Abide·
- 14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. Begin Abide·
- 15
By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; Begin Abide·
- 16
By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly. Begin Abide·
- 17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me. Begin Abide·
- 18
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness. Begin Abide·
- 19
My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. Begin Abide·
- 20
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, Begin Abide·
- 21
bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. Begin Abide·
- 22
The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. Begin Abide·
- 23
From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. Begin Abide·
- 24
When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. Begin Abide·
- 25
Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth, Begin Abide·
- 26
before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth. Begin Abide·
- 27
I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, Begin Abide·
- 28
when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth, Begin Abide·
- 29
when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth. Begin Abide·
- 30
Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence. Begin Abide·
- 31
I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men. Begin Abide·
- 32
Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Begin Abide·
- 33
Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Begin Abide·
- 34
Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. Begin Abide·
- 35
For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. Begin Abide·
- 36
But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” Begin Abide·