Wisdom Calls

• and understanding raise its voice?
• 2 Atop the heights[fn] beside the road, at the crossroads she stands.
• 3 Beside gates, before towns, at the entrance of doors, she cries out:
• 4 “To you, O people ,[fn] I call, and my cry is to the children of humankind.
• 5 Learn prudence, O simple ones; fools, learn intelligence .[fn]
• 6 Listen! For noble things I will speak, and upright things from the opening of my lips.
• 7 My mouth will utter truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
• 8 All sayings of my mouth are in righteousness; none of them are twisted and crooked.
• 9 All of them are straight to him who understands, and upright to those who find knowledge.
• 10 Take my teaching and not silver; may you choose knowledge rather than choice gold.
• 11 For wisdom is better than jewels, and all desires shall not compare with her.
• 12 I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
• 13 The fear of Yahweh is hatred of evil, pride, and arrogance and an evil way.
• And I hate a mouth of perversity.
• 14 Advice and sound judgment[fn] are mine; I am understanding, strength is mine .[fn]
• 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree righteousness.
• 16 By me rulers rule, and nobles—all judges of righteousness.
• 17 I love those who love me ,[fn] and those who seek me diligently shall find me.
• 18 Fortune and glory are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
• 19 My fruit is better than gold,[fn] even refined gold, and my yield than choice silver.
• 20 In the way of righteousness I walk, in the midst of paths of justice,
• 21 in order to endow those who love me with wealth, and I will fill their treasuries.