In Praise of Wisdom
1 With great understanding,
Wisdom is calling out
2as she stands at the crossroads
and on every hill.
3She stands by the city gate
where everyone enters the city,
and she shouts:
4“I am calling out
to each one of you!
5Good sense and sound judgment
can be yours.
6Listen, because what I say
is worthwhile and right.
7I always speak the truth
and refuse to tell a lie.
8Every word I speak is honest,
not one is misleading
or deceptive.
9“If you have understanding,
you will see that my words
are just what you need.
10Let instruction and knowledge
mean more to you than silver
or the finest gold.
11 Wisdom is worth much more
than precious jewels
or anything else you desire.”
Wisdom Speaks
12I am Wisdom—Common Sense
is my closest friend;
I possess knowledge
and sound judgment.
13If you respect the Lord,
you will hate evil.
I hate pride and conceit
and deceitful lies.
14I am strong, and I offer
sensible advice
and sound judgment.
15By my power kings govern,
and rulers make laws
that are fair.
16Every honest leader rules
with help from me.
17I love everyone who loves me,
and I will be found by all
who honestly search.
18I can make you rich and famous,
important and successful.
19What you receive from me
is more valuable
than even the finest gold
or the purest silver.
20I always do what is right,
21and I give great riches
to everyone who loves me.
22 From the beginning,
I was with the Lord.
I was there before he began
23to create the earth.
At the very first,
the Lord gave life to me.
24When I was born,
there were no oceans
or springs of water.
25My birth was before
mountains were formed
or hills were put in place.
26It happened long before God
had made the earth
or any of its fields
or even the dust.
27 I was there when the Lord
put the heavens in place
and stretched the sky
over the surface of the sea.
28I was with him when he placed
the clouds in the sky
and created the springs
that fill the ocean.
29I was there when he set
boundaries for the sea
to make it obey him,
and when he laid foundations
to support the earth.
30I was right beside the Lord,
helping him plan and build.
I made him happy each day,
and I was happy at his side.
31I was pleased with his world
and pleased with its people.
32 Pay attention, my children!
Follow my advice,
and you will be happy.
33Listen carefully
to my instructions,
and you will be wise.
34Come to my home each day
and listen to me.
You will find happiness.
35By finding me, you find life,
and the Lord will be pleased
with you.
36But if you don't find me,
you hurt only yourself,
and if you hate me,
you are in love with death.