| Chapter 8 |
1 |
Doesn`t wisdom cry out? Doesn`t understanding raise her voice? |
2 |
On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she stands. |
3 |
Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entry doors, she cries aloud: |
4 |
"To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind. |
5 |
You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart. |
6 |
Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things. |
7 |
For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. |
8 |
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. |
9 |
They are all plain to him who understands, Right to those who find knowledge. |
10 |
Receive my instruction rather than silver; Knowledge rather than choice gold. |
11 |
For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can`t be compared to it. |
12 |
"I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion. |
13 |
The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. |
14 |
Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power. |
15 |
By me kings reign, And princes decree justice. |
16 |
By me princes rule; Nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth. |
17 |
I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. |
18 |
With me are riches, honor, Enduring wealth, and prosperity. |
19 |
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; My yield than choice silver. |
20 |
I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice; |
21 |
That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries. |
22 |
"Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, Before his deeds of old. |
23 |
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth existed. |
24 |
When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water. |
25 |
Before the mountains were settled in place, Before the hills, I was brought forth; |
26 |
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world. |
27 |
When he established the heavens, I was there; When he set a circle on the surface of the deep, |
28 |
When he established the clouds above, When the springs of the deep became strong, |
29 |
When he gave to the sea its boundary, That the waters should not violate his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth; |
30 |
Then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, Always rejoicing before him, |
31 |
Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men. |
32 |
"Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, For blessed are those who keep my ways. |
33 |
Hear instruction, and be wise, Don`t refuse it. |
34 |
Blessed is the man who hears me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my door posts. |
35 |
For whoever finds me, finds life, And will obtain favor from Yahweh. |
36 |
But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death." |