3.1 KiB
Wisdom Calls for a Hearing
Chapter 8
- Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Hear as understanding raises her voice!
- On the hilltop along the road,
she takes her stand at the crossroads.
- By the gates at the entrance to the town,
on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
- "I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
- You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
- Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
- for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
- My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
- My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
- Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
- For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
- "I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
- All who fear the LORD will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
- Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
- Because of me, kings reign,
and rulers make just decrees.
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Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.
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"I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.
- I have riches and honor,
as well as enduring wealth and justice.
- My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!
- I walk in righteousness,
in paths of justice.
- Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.
- "The LORD formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.
- I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.
- I was born before the oceans were created,
before the springs bubbled forth their waters.
- Before the mountains were formed,
before the hills, I was born--
- before he had made the earth and fields
and the first handfuls of soil.
- I was there when he established the heavens,
when he drew the horizon on the oceans.
- I was there when he set the clouds above,
when he established springs deep in the earth.
- I was there when he set the limits of the seas,
so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.
And when he marked off the earth's foundations,
- I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight,
rejoicing always in his presence.
- And how happy I was with the world he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!
- "And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
- Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don't ignore it.
- Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
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For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.
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But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death."