1Doth not wisdom cry aloud, and prudence put forth her voice?
2Standing in the top of the highest places by the way, in the midst of the paths.
3Beside the gates of the city, in the very doors she speaketh, saying:
4O ye men, to you I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.
5O little ones, understand subtilty, and ye unwise, take notice.
6Hear, for I will speak of great things: and my lips shall be opened to preach right things.
7My mouth shall meditate truth, and my lips shall hate wickedness.
8All my words are just, there is nothing wicked nor perverse in them.
9They are right to them that understand, and just to them that find knowledge.
10Receive my instruction, and not money: choose knowledge rather than gold.
11For wisdom is better than all the most precious things: and whatsoever may be desired cannot be compared to it.
12I wisdom dwell in counsel, and am present in learned thoughts.
13The fear of the Lord hateth evil: I hate arrogance, and pride, and every wicked way, and a mouth with a double tongue.
14Counsel and equity is mine, prudence is mine, strength is mine.
15By me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things,
16By me princes rule, and the mighty decree justice.
17I love them that love me: and they that in the morning early watch for me, shall find me.
18With me are riches and glory, glorious riches and justice.
19For my fruit is better than gold and the precious stone, and my blossoms than choice silver.