Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
beside the gates leading into the city
at the entrances, she cries aloud:
"To you, O men, I call out!
I raise my voice to all mankind."
You who are simple, gain prudence
you who are foolish, gain understanding
Listen, for I have worthy things to say
I open my lips to speak what is right
My mouth speaks what is true
for my lips detest wickedness
All the words of my mouth are just
None of them is crooked or perverse.
To the discerning all of them are right
They are faultless to those who have knowledge
Choose my instruction instead of silver
knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence
I possess knowledge and discretion.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
Counsel and sound judgment are mine
I have understanding and power.
By me kings reign
and rulers make laws that are just
By me princes govern
and all nobles who rule on earth.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
