1 With great understanding,Wisdom is calling out
2 as she stands at the crossroadsand on every hill.
3 She stands by the city gatewhere everyone enters the city,and she shouts:
4 “I am calling outto each one of you!
5 Good sense and sound judgmentcan be yours.
6 Listen, because what I sayis worthwhile and right.
7 I always speak the truthand refuse to tell a lie.
8 Every word I speak is honest,not one is misleadingor deceptive.
9 “If you have understanding,you will see that my wordsare just what you need.
10 Let instruction and knowledgemean more to you than silveror the finest gold.
11 Wisdom is worth much morethan precious jewelsor anything else you desire.”
12 I am Wisdom—Common Senseis my closest friend;I possess knowledgeand sound judgment.
13 If you respect the Lord,you will hate evil.I hate pride and conceitand deceitful lies.
14 I am strong, and I offersensible adviceand sound judgment.
15 By my power kings govern,and rulers make lawsthat are fair.
16 Every honest leader ruleswith help from me.
17 I love everyone who loves me,and I will be found by allwho honestly search.
18 I can make you rich and famous,important and successful.
19 What you receive from meis more valuablethan even the finest goldor the purest silver.
20 I always do what is right,
21 and I give great richesto everyone who loves me.
22 From the beginning,I was with the Lord.I was there before he began
23 to create the earth.At the very first,the Lord gave life to me.
24 When I was born,there were no oceansor springs of water.
25 My birth was beforemountains were formedor hills were put in place.
26 It happened long before Godhad made the earthor any of its fieldsor even the dust.
27 I was there when the Lordput the heavens in placeand stretched the skyover the surface of the sea.
28 I was with him when he placedthe clouds in the skyand created the springsthat fill the ocean.
29 I was there when he setboundaries for the seato make it obey him,and when he laid foundationsto support the earth.
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.
31 I was pleased with his worldand pleased with its people.
32 Pay attention, my children!Follow my advice,and you will be happy.
33 Listen carefullyto my instructions,and you will be wise.
34 Come to my home each dayand listen to me.You will find happiness.
35 By finding me, you find life,and the Lord will be pleasedwith you.
36 But if you don't find me,you hurt only yourself,and if you hate me,you are in love with death.