1Doth not wisdom cry ? and understanding put forth her voice ? 2She standeth in the top of high places , by the way in the places of the paths . 3She crieth at the gates , at the entry of the city , at the coming in at the doors . 4Unto you, O men , I call ; and my voice is to the sons of man . 5O ye simple , understand wisdom : and, ye fools , be ye of an understanding heart . 6Hear ; for I will speak of excellent things ; and the opening of my lips shall be right things . 7For my mouth shall speak truth ; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips . 8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness ; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. 9They are all plain to him that understandeth , and right to them that find knowledge . 10Receive my instruction , and not silver ; and knowledge rather than choice gold . 11For wisdom is better than rubies ; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
The Value of Wisdom
12I wisdom dwell with prudence , and find out knowledge of witty inventions . 13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil : pride , and arrogancy , and the evil way , and the froward mouth , do I hate . 14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom : I am understanding ; I have strength . 15By me kings reign , and princes decree justice . 16By me princes rule , and nobles , even all the judges of the earth . 17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 18Riches and honour are with me; yea , durable riches and righteousness . 19My fruit is better than gold , yea, than fine gold ; and my revenue than choice silver . 20I lead in the way of righteousness , in the midst of the paths of judgment : 21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance ; and I will fill their treasures .
The Blessings of Wisdom
22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way , before his works of old. 23I was set up from everlasting , from the beginning , or ever the earth was. 24When there were no depths , I was brought forth ; when there were no fountains abounding with water . 25Before the mountains were settled , before the hills was I brought forth : 26While as yet he had not made the earth , nor the fields , nor the highest part of the dust of the world . 27When he prepared the heavens , I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth : 28When he established the clouds above : when he strengthened the fountains of the deep : 29When he gave to the sea his decree , that the waters should not pass his commandment : when he appointed the foundations of the earth : 30Then I was by him , as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight , rejoicing always before him; 31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth ; and my delights were with the sons of men .
The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom
32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children : for blessed are they that keep my ways . 33Hear instruction , and be wise , and refuse it not. 34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates , waiting at the posts of my doors . 35For whoso findeth me findeth life , and shall obtain favour of the LORD . 36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul : all they that hate me love death .