8:1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
8:2 At the top of the elevated places along the way, at the juncture of the paths she takes her stand;
8:3 beside the gates opening into the city, at the entrance of the doorways she cries out:
8:4 “To you, O people, I call out, and my voice calls to all mankind.
8:5 You who are naive, discern wisdom! And you fools, understand discernment!
8:6 Listen, for I will speak excellent things, and my lips will utter what is right.
8:7 For my mouth speaks truth, and my lips hate wickedness.
8:8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing in them twisted or crooked.
8:9 All of them are clear to the discerning and upright to those who find knowledge.
8:10 Receive my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.
8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and desirable things cannot be compared to her.
8:12 “I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride and the evil way and perverse utterances.
8:14 Counsel and sound wisdom belong to me; I possess understanding and might.
8:15 Kings reign by means of me, and potentates decree righteousness;
8:16 by me princes rule, as well as nobles and all righteous judges.
8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
8:18 Riches and honor are with me, long-lasting wealth and righteousness.