[1] Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice?
[2] On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand.
[3] Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out:
[4] “To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men.
[5] O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
[6] Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.
[7] For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.
[8] All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse.
[9] They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
[10] Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
[11] For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.
[12] I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
[13] To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
[14] Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.
[15] By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
[16] By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.
[17] I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.
[18] With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.
[19] My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver.
[20] I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
[21] bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
[22] The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old.
[23] From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.
[24] When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water.
[25] Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,
[26] before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth.
[27] I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,
[28] when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,
[29] when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.
[30] Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.
[31] I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.
[32] Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
[33] Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
[34] Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
[35] For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD.
[36] But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”