8:1 Isn't wisdom calling out; isn't understanding raising her voice?
8:2 On top of the highest places along the road she stands where the roads meet.
8:3 Beside the gates, at the city entrance— at the entrance to the portals she cries aloud:
8:4 "I'm calling to you, men! What I have to say pertains to all mankind!
8:5 Understand prudence, you na�ve people; and gain an understanding heart, you foolish ones.
8:6 Listen, because I have noble things to say, and what I have to say will reveal what is right.
8:7 For my mouth speaks the truth— wickedness is detestable to me.
8:8 Everything I have to say is just; there isn't anything corrupt or perverse in my speech.
8:9 Everything I say is sensible to someone who understands, and correct to those who have acquired knowledge.
8:10 Grab hold of my instruction in lieu of money and knowledge instead of the finest gold,
8:11 because wisdom is better than precious gems and nothing you desire can compare to it."
8:12 "I, wisdom, am related to prudence. I know how to be discreet.
8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle, and perverted speech I despise.
8:14 Counsel belongs to me, along with sound judgment. I am understanding. Power belongs to me.
8:15 Kings reign by me, and rulers dispense justice through me.
8:16 By me leaders rule, as do noble officials and all who govern justly.
8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me.
8:18 Wealth and honor accompany me, as do enduring wealth and righteousness.
8:19 My fruit is better than gold, better than even refined gold, and my benefit surpasses the purest silver.
8:20 I walk on the way of righteousness, along paths that are just,
8:21 I bequeath wealth to those who love me, and I will fill their treasuries."
8:22 "The LORD made me as he began his planning, before his ancient activity commenced.
8:23 From eternity I was appointed, from the beginning, from before there was land.
8:24 When there were no ocean depths, I brought them to birth at a time when there were no springs.
8:25 Before the mountains were shaped, before there were hills, I was bringing them to birth.
8:26 Even though he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the world's first grains of dust,
8:27 when he crafted the heavens, I was there— when he marked out a circle on the face of the deep,
8:28 when he made the clouds from above, when the springs of the depths were established,
8:29 when he set a boundary for the sea so the waters would not exceed his limits, when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
8:30 Then I was with him, his master craftsman— I was his delight daily, continuously rejoicing in his presence,
8:31 rejoicing in his inhabitable world and taking delight in mankind."
8:32 "So listen to me, children! Blessed are those who obey me.
8:33 Listen to instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it.
8:34 Blessed is the person who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorways—
8:35 because those who find me find life and gain favor from the LORD.
8:36 But whoever sins against me destroys himself; everyone who hates me loves death."
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