1Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise its voice?

2[Wisdom] takes its stand on high ground, by the wayside where the roads meet,

3near the gates to the city. At the entrance [wisdom] sings its song,

4"I am calling to all of you, and my appeal is to all people.

5You gullible people, learn how to be sensible. You fools, get a heart that has understanding.

6Listen! I am speaking about noble things, and my lips will say what is right.

7My mouth expresses the truth, and wickedness is disgusting to my lips.

8Everything I say is fair, and there is nothing twisted or crooked in it.

9All of it is clear to a person who has understanding and right to those who have acquired knowledge.

10Take my discipline, not silver, and my knowledge rather than fine gold,

11because wisdom is better than jewels. Nothing you desire can equal it.

12"I, Wisdom, live with insight, and I acquire knowledge and foresight.

13To fear the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech.

14Advice and priceless wisdom are mine. I, Understanding, have strength.

15Through me kings reign, and rulers decree fair laws.

16Through me princes rule, so do nobles and all fair judges.

17I love those who love me. Those eagerly looking for me will find me.

18I have riches and honor, lasting wealth and righteousness.

19What I produce is better than gold, pure gold. What I yield is better than fine silver.

20I walk in the way of righteousness, on the paths of justice,

21to give an inheritance to those who love me and to fill their treasuries.

22"The LORD already possessed me long ago, when his way began, before any of his works.

23I was appointed from everlasting from the first, before the earth began.

24I was born before there were oceans, before there were springs filled with water.

25I was born before the mountains were settled in their places and before the hills,

26when he had not yet made land or fields or the first dust of the world.

27"When he set up the heavens, I was there. When he traced the horizon on the surface of the ocean,

28when he established the skies above, when he determined the currents in the ocean,

29when he set a limit for the sea so the waters would not overstep his command, when he traced the foundations of the earth,

30I was beside him as a master craftsman. I made him happy day after day, I rejoiced in front of him all the time,

31found joy in his inhabited world, and delighted in the human race.

32"Now, sons, listen to me. Blessed are those who follow my ways.

33Listen to discipline, and become wise. Do not leave my ways.

34Blessed is the person who listens to me, watches at my door day after day, and waits by my doorposts.

35Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD.

36Whoever sins against me harms himself. All those who hate me love death."