1Does wisdom cry out? Does understanding direct her voice? 2She takes her stand on top of high places and in the street intersections. 3She cries out at the gates, at the entrance by the doors: 4»I call to you men. My voice is to the sons of man. 5»O you simple ones, understand wisdom and, you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6»Listen for I speak of excellent things. The truth comes from my lips. 7»My mouth will speak truth! Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8»All my speech is righteous. Nothing crooked or perverse comes from my mouth. 9»They are all straight talk to him who understands. It is proper to those who find knowledge. 10»Receive my instruction and not silver. Take knowledge rather than choice gold. 11»For wisdom is better than pearls. Nothing desirable compares to it. 12»Wisdom dwells with discretion and it finds knowledge and sound judgment. 13»Respect for Jehovah means to hate evil. I hate: pride, and arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. 14»Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I understand and I am very strong. 15»Kings reign by me, and princes decree justice. 16»By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 17»I love those who love me. Those who earnestly seek me will find me. 18»Riches and honor are with me. Yes, durable riches and righteousness. 19»My fruit is better than gold, yes, better than fine gold. My yield is better than choice silver. 20»I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21»I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries. 22»Jehovah created me in the beginning of his way, before his works of antiquity. 23»I was made from long ago, before the earth began. 24»When there were no depths or fountains abounding with water, I was brought forth. 25»Before the mountains were settled, before the hills I was brought forth: 26»He had not made the earth or the fields or the highest part of the dust of the world. 27»When he prepared the heavens, I was there. When he circled the face of the deep: 28»When he established the clouds above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep, 29»When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his command, when he appointed the foundations of the earth, 30»Then I was beside him, as a master workman with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him. 31»I rejoiced in the inhabited earth. My delights were with the sons of men. 32»Listen to me, my children: for blessed are those who practice my ways. 33»Hear instruction, do not refuse it and be wise. 34»Blessed is the man who listens to me. He watches daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. 35»Those who find me find life. They will receive favor from Jehovah. 36»But he who sins against me wrongs himself. All who hate me love death.«