1 ¶ Doesn’t wisdom cry out? and understanding make her voice heard?

2 She stands on the heights, at a place where the paths meet.

3 She shouts at the gates, at the entrance to the city, where people enter the doors.

4 I am calling to you, O men; and my cry is to mankind.

5 O you simple ones, learn how to be wise: and, you fools, be of an understanding heart.

6 Listen; because I will tell you important truths; and my lips will utter what is right.

7 For my mouth will speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 Everything I say is right; and there is nothing dishonest or perverse in it.

9 My words are all clear to those who understand, and right to those who find knowledge.

10 Value my instruction more than silver; and knowledge more than fine gold.

11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and nothing that could possibly be desired can compare to it.

12 ¶ I wisdom live with insight, and bring knowledge and skill.

13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: I hate pride, arrogance, wicked behavior, and perverse speech.

14 I have good advice, and sound wisdom: I have understanding; and strength.

15 By me kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.

16 By me princes rule, as do all the judges and governors of the earth.

17 I love those who love me; and those who seek me early will find me.

18 Riches and honor are with me; yea, enduring wealth and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my yield than choice silver.

20 I lead in the way of righteousness, and in the paths of justice:

21 That I may endow those who love me with wealth; and fill their storerooms.

22 ¶ The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his creation, before his works of old.

23 I was ordained from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was.

24 I was brought forth before there were any watery depths; or springs abounding with water.

25 I was brought forth before the mountains and hills were established:

26 Before he had made the earth, the fields, or the first soil in the world.

27 I was there when he established the heavens: and laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean:

28 When he put the clouds in place: and made the mighty fountains of the ocean:

29 When he set a limit for the sea, and would not let the water flow further than he ordained: when he laid out the foundations of the earth:

30 Then I was beside him, as a master workman: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

31 Rejoicing in his inhabited earth; and delighted with human beings.

32 ¶ Therefore now listen to me, my children: for those who keep my ways are blessed.

33 Listen to instruction, and be wise, do not reject wisdom.

34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting by my doorway.

35 For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor from the LORD.

36 But he who fails to find me wrongs his own soul: for all who hate me love death.