1Isn't wisdom calling? Isn't understanding raising her voice?
2On the top of the hill by the road, she stands up at the crossroads.
3Beside the gates of the town, right there at the entrance, she cries out:
4“I'm calling out to you, everyone! My call is to everyone in the whole world!
5If you're immature, learn how to grow up. If you're stupid, learn what makes good sense.
6Listen to me because I have valuable things to explain to you.
7I say what's right, because I tell the truth and I hate wickedness in all its forms.
8All the words I say are true; none are false or misleading.
9My words are straightforward to anyone with understanding; they are correct to those who have knowledge.
10Choose my instruction over silver; choose knowledge over pure gold.
11For wisdom is more valuable than rubies; everything you could ever want just doesn't compare!
12I, wisdom, am at home with good decisions. I know how to find knowledge and discernment.
13Honoring the Lord means hating evil. So I hate pride and arrogance, wicked behavior and telling lies.
14I have advice and good judgment; I know what makes sense, and I have power.
15It's because of me that kings reign, and rulers issue fair decrees.
16It's because of me that leaders and nobles govern—all who rule justly.
17I love those who love me, and those who really look for me will find me.
18With me go riches and honor, lasting wealth and prosperity.
19The fruit I produce is better than gold, even pure gold, and my harvest is better than even the best silver.
20I live in a way that's right; I follow the paths of justice.
21I grant wealth to those who love me; I fill their treasure storehouses.
22The Lord created me first of all; I was made before anything else.
23I was formed a long time ago, at the first, before the world began.
24I was born when there were no ocean depths, when there were no springs pouring out water.
25I was born before the mountains or the hills had been formed,
26when he hadn't made the earth and its fields or any of the earth's dust.
27I was there when he placed the heavens in position, when he drew the horizon over the ocean,
28when he made the clouds in the sky above, when he created the springs of the oceans,
29when he set limits on the sea so that the waters would not go farther than he ordered, and when he laid out the foundations of the earth.
30Then I was beside him as a master craftsman. I made him happy every day, and I was always full of joy in his presence.
31I was so happy in the world he created, celebrating together with human beings.
32And now, my sons, listen to me, for happy are those who follow my ways.
33Listen to my instruction and be wise—do not reject it.
34Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me every day at my doors, waiting at my entrance way.
35For those who find me, find life, and are accepted by the Lord.
36But those who don't find me hurt themselves; everyone who hates me loves death.”