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