Home Master Index
←Prev   Proverbs 8 as rendered by/in  Next→ 


8:1  With great understanding, Wisdom is calling out
8:2  as she stands at the crossroads and on every hill.
8:3  She stands by the city gate where everyone enters the city, and she shouts:
8:4  “I am calling out to each one of you!
8:5  Good sense and sound judgment can be yours.
8:6  Listen, because what I say is worthwhile and right.
8:7  I always speak the truth and refuse to tell a lie.
8:8  Every word I speak is honest, not one is misleading or deceptive.
8:9  “If you have understanding, you will see that my words are just what you need.
8:10  Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold.
8:11  Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire.”
8:12  I am Wisdom—Common Sense is my closest friend; I possess knowledge and sound judgment.
8:13  If you respect the Lord, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies.
8:14  I am strong, and I offer sensible advice and sound judgment.
8:15  By my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair.
8:16  Every honest leader rules with help from me.
8:17  I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search.
8:18  I can make you rich and famous, important and successful.
8:19  What you receive from me is more valuable than even the finest gold or the purest silver.
8:20  I always do what is right,
8:21  and I give great riches to everyone who loves me.
8:22  From the beginning, I was with the Lord. I was there before he began
8:23  to create the earth. At the very first, the Lord gave life to me.
8:24  When I was born, there were no oceans or springs of water.
8:25  My birth was before mountains were formed or hills were put in place.
8:26  It happened long before God had made the earth or any of its fields or even the dust.
8:27  I was there when the Lord put the heavens in place and stretched the sky over the surface of the sea.
8:28  I was with him when he placed the clouds in the sky and created the springs that fill the ocean.
8:29  I was there when he set boundaries for the sea to make it obey him, and when he laid foundations to support the earth.
8:30  I was right beside the Lord, helping him plan and build. I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side.
8:31  I was pleased with his world and pleased with its people.
8:32  Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy.
8:33  Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise.
8:34  Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness.
8:35  By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you.
8:36  But if you don't find me, you hurt only yourself, and if you hate me, you are in love with death.