Proverbs Chapter 8
1 Wisdom calls out,
and intelligence raises its voice.
2 It takes its stand on high places
where footpaths meet.
3 It shouts at the city gates:
4“I’m calling out to you;
my voice is aimed at everyone.
5Learn prudence, simple ones;
gain wisdom, foolish people.
6Listen, so I can tell you nobler things,
important things come from me.
Prov 8:1-6
7I tell the truth
because I detest sinfulness.
8Everything I say is good;
there’s nothing devious in it.
9What I say makes sense to anyone that has insight;
it’s right to those who learn.
10Take instruction rather than silver;
accept knowledge instead of gold
11 because wisdom is worth more than jewels;
nothing you want compares with it.
Prov 8:7-11
12“I, wisdom, and good judgment live together;
I discover knowledge and discretion.
13Respecting the LORD means hating sin,
pride and arrogance,
corrupt behavior and perverse speech.
14I offer advice about wise living
and provide insight and strength.
15Kings reign by me,
and rulers decree justice.
16Officials and nobles govern by me
as does everyone that judges justly.
17I love the ones that love me,
that diligently search me out.
18I have wealth and honor to offer,
lasting riches and goodness.
19My fruit has more value than pure gold;
my yield outperforms the finest silver.
20I walk in the way of goodness,
on the paths of justice,
21 to endow with wealth the ones that love me.
Prov 8:12-21
22“The LORD created me at the very beginning,
before anything else he did in ancient times.
23 I was in place from everlasting,
from the beginning of time on earth.
24 I came before there were any oceans
or any springs abounded with water,
25 before the mountains were born
or any hills existed,
26 before he made soil and fields
and dust on the ground.
Prov 8:22-26
27 I was there when he put the heavens in place
and drew the horizons around the ocean;
28 when he set the sky above
and established the fountains in the deep;
29 when he laid shorelines for the seas
so water couldn’t cross their boundaries;
when he marked out the foundations for the earth.
30I stood beside him like a general contractor,
serving as his daily delight,
celebrating with him,
31 rejoicing in the world he was making,
delighting in humankind.
Prov 8:27-31
32“So now, my children, listen to me
because I bless those who keep my ways.
33Obey instruction in order to be wise;
don’t neglect it.
34Blessed are those who pay attention to what I say,
who watch at my gates each day
and wait at my doorpost.
35The ones that find me find life
and gain the LORD’s blessing.
36But those who miss out on me hurt themselves;
the ones that hate me love death.”
Prov 8:32-36