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