King James Version
Proverbs • Chapter 8
1
Does not wisdom call, and understanding give her voice?
2
At the head of the heights, above the way, at the house of the paths, I positioned myself.
3
By the gates, according to the entrance of the opening, they shall rejoice.
4
To you, O men, I call, and my voice to the sons of humanity.
5
We, the simple ones, understand cunning, and fools understand a heart.
6
Hear, for I will speak noble things, and the opening of my lips will be for rightness.
7
For truth will speak through my mouth, and the abomination of my lips is wickedness.
8
In righteousness are all my words; there is no deceit or perversion in them.
9
All are straightforward to the discerning and right to those who find knowledge.
10
Take my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11
For wisdom is better than pearls, and all treasures cannot compare with her.
12
I, wisdom, dwell with cunning, and knowledge of plans I find.
13
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.
14
To me belongs counsel and sound wisdom; I am understanding; to me belongs strength.
15
Kings shall reign and rulers shall decree justice.
16
In my officials, they will be righteous, and all the noble ones will be judges of justice.
17
I love my beloved; I will love, and those who seek me will find me.
18
Wealth and glory are with me, enduring riches and righteousness.
19
Better is my produce than fine gold, and my harvest than choice silver.
20
In the way of righteousness I will walk in the midst of paths of justice.
21
To inherit for my beloved is good, and their treasures I will fill.
22
The LORD acquired me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
23
From eternity I was poured out, from the beginning, before the earth.
24
I have not created the depths; I have not formed the springs of heavy waters.
25
Before the mountains were brought forth, and before the hills, I was brought forth.
26
Until he had made the earth and the outer places and the dust of the world.
27
In his preparation, the heavens, there I am, in his decree, a circle over the surface of the deep.
28
In the abyss, through the strong heavens, the eyes are like the deep.
29
In His setting for the sea a decree, and waters shall not pass His command, the foundations of the earth.
30
I will be with him, a trusted one, and I will be a source of delight, playing day after day before him at all times.
31
You play in His world and amuse the children of men.
32
And now, children, listen to me, and blessed are those who keep my ways.
33
Listen to discipline and be wise, and do not neglect it.
34
Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorways.
35
For I found life and favor from the Lord.
36
And the sin of those who harm the soul; all who hate me love death.