Proverbs 8:3-35 in English

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:

⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of men.

⁵ O ye simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my mouth shall utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it.

¹² I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling, And find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable wealth and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, And that I may fill their treasuries.

²² Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth;

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep,

²⁸ When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong,

²⁹ When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth;

³⁰ Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him,

³¹ Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men.

³² Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me; For blessed are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, And refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, And shall obtain favor of Jehovah.

³ For she sits by the gates of princes, and sings in the entrances, saying,

⁴ You, O men, I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men.

⁵ O ye simple, understand subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge.

⁶ Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn truths; and will produce right sayings from my lips.

⁷ For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse.

⁹ They are all evident to those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than tried gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than precious stones; and no valuable substance is of equal worth with it.

¹² I wisdom have dwelt with counsel and knowledge, and I have called upon understanding.

¹³ The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, and insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men; and I hate the perverse ways of bad men.

¹⁴ Counsel and safety are mine: prudence is mine, and strength is mine.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and glory belong to me; yea, abundant possessions and righteousness.

¹⁹ It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in ways of righteousness, and am conversant with the paths of judgment;

²¹ that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill their treasures with good things.

^21a If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.

²² The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

²³ He established me before time was in the beginning, before he made the earth:

²⁴ even before he made the depths; before the fountains of water came forth:

²⁵ before the mountains were settled, and before all hills, he begets me.

²⁶ The Lord made countries and uninhabited tracts, and the highest inhabited parts of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heaven, I was present with him; and when he prepared his throne upon the winds:

²⁸ and when he strengthened the clouds above; and when he secured the fountains of the earth:

²⁹ and when he strengthened the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ I was by him, suiting myself to him, I was that wherein he took delight; and daily I rejoiced in his presence continually.

³¹ For he rejoiced when he had completed the world, and rejoiced among the children of men.

³² Now then, my son, hear me: blessed is the man who shall hearken to me, and the mortal who shall keep my ways;

³⁴ watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my entrances.

³⁵ For my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in them is prepared favour from the Lord.

³ She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

⁵ O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

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 commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

³¹ Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

³² Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

³ She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

⁵ O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

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 commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

³¹ Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

³² Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

³ For she sits by the gates of princes, and sings in the entrances, saying,

⁴ You, O men, I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men.

⁵ O you° simple, understand subtlety, and you° that are untaught, imbibe knowledge.

⁶ Listen to me; for I will speak solemn truths; and will produce right sayings from my lips.

⁷ For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse.

⁹ They are all evident to those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than tried gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than precious stones; and no valuable substance is of equal worth with it.

¹² I wisdom have lived with counsel and knowledge, and I have called upon understanding.

¹³ The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, and insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men; and I hate the perverse ways of bad men.

¹⁴ Counsel and safety are my; prudence is my, and strength is my.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and glory belong to me; yes, abundant possessions and righteousness.

¹⁹ It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in ways of righteousness, and am conversant with the paths of judgment;

²¹ that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill their treasures with good things. If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.

²² The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

²³ He established me before time was in the beginning, before he made the earth:

²⁴ even before he made the depths; before the fountains of water came forth:

²⁵ before the mountains were settled, and before all hills, he begets me.

²⁶ The Lord made countries and uninhabited tracks, and the highest inhabited parts of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heaven, I was present with him; and when he prepared his throne upon the winds:

²⁸ and when he strengthened the clouds above; and when he secured the fountains of the earth:

²⁹ decree. and when he strengthened the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ I was by him, suiting myself to him, I was that wherein he took delight; and daily I rejoiced in his presence continually.

³¹ For he rejoiced when he had completed the world, and rejoiced among the children of men.

³² Now then, my son, hear me: blessed is the man who shall listen to me, and the mortal who shall keep my ways;

³³ Hear wisdom and be wise, and be not strangers to it.

³⁴ watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my entrances.

³⁵ For my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in them is prepared favor from the Lord.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:

⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men.

⁵ O ye simple, understand subtilty; and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my mouth shall utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto her.

¹² I wisdom have made subtilty my dwelling, and find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me diligently shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, and that I may fill their treasuries.

²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there: when he set a circle upon the face of the deep:

²⁸ When he made firm the sides above: when the fountains of the deep became strong:

²⁹ When he gave to the sea its bound, that the waters should not transgress his commandment: when he marked out the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ Then I was by him, as a master workman: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

³¹ Rejoicing in his habitable earth; and my delight was with the sons of men.

³² Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

³ Wisdom also stands at the city gates and shouts loudly,

⁴ “I am calling to everyone! I am shouting loudly to all people!

⁵ You people who do not know how to do things that are smart to do, get sound judgment; you foolish people, get good understanding!

⁶ Listen to me, because I have some excellent/important things to say. What I say is what is fair/right.

⁷ I speak what is true; I detest speaking MTY what is false/deceptive.

⁸ Everything that I say is honest; there is nothing that I say that deceives people.

⁹ My words are clear to those who have good sense; those who are wise know that what I say is right.

¹⁰ If someone offers you the kind of teaching I give or offers you silver, choose my teaching. If he offers to show you how to be wise or offers you gold, choose to know how to be wise,

¹¹ because wisdom is more valuable than jewels. Nothing that you desire is as valuable as being wise.

¹² I, wisdom, and understanding of what is smart to do, cannot be separated. We are like two people who live in the same house. I know how to be wise and how to make smart decisions.

¹³ All the people who revere Yahweh hate evil. I, wisdom, hate people who are proud and people who think they are more important than others. I hate people who behave in an evil way and those who say things to deceive others.

¹⁴ I give people good advice and I enable them to do things that are wise. I understand how things really are, and I am strong.

¹⁵ When kings are wise, they rule well; and when rulers are wise, they make laws that are just/fair.

¹⁶ Rulers govern their people with the help of me, wisdom, and those who have authority decide things fairly/just with my help.

¹⁷ I, wisdom, love all those who love me, and all those who truly seek me will find me.

¹⁸ I enable people to become rich and to be honored; I enable them to have wealth that will last and to be successful.

¹⁹ What I can give people is more valuable than fine/pure gold and the best silver.

²⁰ I always do what is righteous and just/fair.

²¹ I give wealth to those who love me; I fill their houses with valuable things.

²² Yahweh created me, wisdom, when he began to create the world; he created me to do my work before he created anything else.

²³ He appointed me long ago, before he created the earth.

²⁴ I was born before the oceans were created, when there were no springs from which water flowed.

²⁵ I was born before the hills and mountains were formed;

²⁶ I, wisdom, was born before Yahweh made the earth, before he made the fields and the soil on the earth.

²⁷ I was there when Yahweh put the sky in place, when he marked the place in the distance where the sky and the oceans seem to come together.

²⁸ I was there when Yahweh put the clouds above the earth and when he caused the water that is inside the earth to be secure.

²⁹ I was there when he fixed a boundary for the seas, so that the water in the seas would not go past those boundaries, and when he put down the foundations which support the earth.

³⁰ I was at the side of Yahweh, the master worker (OR, as though I was his child). I caused him to be happy every day, and I was always rejoicing when I was with him.

³¹ I was delighted with the world that he created; I was happy with the people whom he created, too.

³² So, you people who are like my sons, listen to me. I am pleased with all those who obey my teachings.

³³ Listen carefully to what I teach you and become wise. Do not reject my teaching!

³⁴ I am pleased with those who listen to me, those who are outside my house every day, waiting for me to come out.

³⁵ Those who find me will have a long life, and Yahweh will be pleased with them.

³ For she sits by the gates of princes, and sings in the entrances, saying,

⁴ You, O men, I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men.

⁵ O you° simple, understand subtlety, and you° that are untaught, imbibe knowledge.

⁶ Listen to me; for I will speak solemn truths; and will produce right sayings from my lips.

⁷ For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse.

⁹ They are all evident to those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than tried gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than precious stones; and no valuable substance is of equal worth with it.

¹² I wisdom have lived with counsel and knowledge, and I have called upon understanding.

¹³ The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, and insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men; and I hate the perverse ways of bad men.

¹⁴ Counsel and safety are my; prudence is my, and strength is my.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and glory belong to me; yes, abundant possessions and righteousness.

¹⁹ It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in ways of righteousness, and am conversant with the paths of judgement;

²¹ that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill their treasures with good things. If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.

²² The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

²³ He established me before time was in the beginning, before he made the earth:

²⁴ even before he made the depths; before the fountains of water came forth:

²⁵ before the mountains were settled, and before all hills, he begets me.

²⁶ The Lord made countries and uninhabited tracks, and the highest inhabited parts of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heaven, I was present with him; and when he prepared his throne upon the winds:

²⁸ and when he strengthened the clouds above; and when he secured the fountains of the earth:

²⁹ decree. and when he strengthened the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ I was by him, suiting myself to him, I was that wherein he took delight; and daily I rejoiced in his presence continually.

³¹ For he rejoiced when he had completed the world, and rejoiced amongst the children of men.

³² Now then, my son, hear me: blessed is the man who shall listen to me, and the mortal who shall keep my ways;

³³ Hear wisdom and be wise, and be not strangers to it.

³⁴ watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my entrances.

³⁵ For my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in them is prepared favour from the Lord.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

⁴ “I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

⁵ You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.

¹² “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

²⁹ when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

³⁰ then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

⁴ “I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

⁵ You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.

¹² “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

²⁹ when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

³⁰ then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

⁴ “I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

⁵ You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.

¹² “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honour, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

²⁹ when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

³⁰ then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favour from the LORD.

³ Where the roads go into the town her cry goes out, at the doorways her voice is loud:

⁴ I am crying out to you, O men; my voice comes to the sons of men.

⁵ Become expert in reason, O you simple ones; you foolish ones, take training to heart.

⁶ Give ear, for my words are true, and my lips are open to give out what is upright.

⁷ For good faith goes out of my mouth, and false lips are disgusting to me.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are righteousness; there is nothing false or twisted in them.

⁹ They are all true to him whose mind is awake, and straightforward to those who get knowledge.

¹⁰ Take my teaching, and not silver; get knowledge in place of the best gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than jewels, and all things which may be desired are nothing in comparison with her.

¹² I, wisdom, have made wise behaviour my near relation; I am seen to be the special friend of wise purposes.

¹³ The fear of the Lord is seen in hating evil: pride, a high opinion of oneself, the evil way, and the false tongue, are unpleasing to me.

¹⁴ Wise design and good sense are mine; reason and strength are mine.

¹⁵ Through me kings have their power, and rulers give right decisions.

¹⁶ Through me chiefs have authority, and the noble ones are judging in righteousness.

¹⁷ Those who have given me their love are loved by me, and those who make search for me with care will get me.

¹⁸ Wealth and honour are in my hands, even wealth without equal and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, even than the best gold; and my increase is more to be desired than silver.

²⁰ I go in the road of righteousness, in the way of right judging:

²¹ So that I may give my lovers wealth for their heritage, making their store-houses full.

²² The Lord made me as the start of his way, the first of his works in the past.

²³ From eternal days I was given my place, from the birth of time, before the earth was.

²⁴ When there was no deep I was given birth, when there were no fountains flowing with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were put in their places, before the hills was my birth:

²⁶ When he had not made the earth or the fields or the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he made ready the heavens I was there: when he put an arch over the face of the deep:

²⁸ When he made strong the skies overhead: when the fountains of the deep were fixed:

²⁹ When he put a limit to the sea, so that the waters might not go against his word: when he put in position the bases of the earth:

³⁰ Then I was by his side, as a master workman: and I was his delight from day to day, playing before him at all times;

³¹ Playing in his earth; and my delight was with the sons of men.

³² Give ear to me then, my sons: for happy are those who keep my ways.

³³ Take my teaching and be wise; do not let it go.

³⁴ Happy is the man who gives ear to me, watching at my doors day by day, keeping his place by the pillars of my house.

³⁵ For whoever gets me gets life, and grace from the Lord will come to him.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud.

⁴ Unto you, men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man:

⁵ O ye simple, understand prudence; and ye foolish, understand sense.

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my palate shall meditate truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing tortuous or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold:

¹¹ for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not equal to it.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find the knowledge which cometh of reflection.

¹³ The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am intelligence; I have strength.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and rulers make just decrees;

¹⁶ by me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; durable wealth and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold, yea, than pure gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the path of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasuries.

²² Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heavens I was there; when he ordained the circle upon the face of the deep;

²⁸ when he established the skies above, when the fountains of the deep became strong;

²⁹ when he imposed on the sea his decree that the waters should not pass his commandment, when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ then I was by him his nursling, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

³¹ rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and my delights were with the sons of men.

³² And now, sons, hearken unto me, and blessed are they that keep my ways:

³³ hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and obtaineth favour of Jehovah;

³ Beside the gates of the city, in the very doors she speaketh, saying:

⁴ O ye men, to you I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.

⁵ O little ones, understand subtilty, and ye unwise, take notice.

⁶ Hear, for I will speak of great things: and my lips shall be opened to preach right things.

⁷ My mouth shall meditate truth, and my lips shall hate wickedness.

⁸ All my words are just, there is nothing wicked nor perverse in them.

⁹ They are right to them that understand, and just to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not money: choose knowledge rather than gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than all the most precious things: and whatsoever may be desired cannot be compared to it.

¹² I wisdom dwell in counsel, and am present in learned thoughts.

¹³ The fear of the Lord hateth evil: I hate arrogance, and pride, and every wicked way, and a mouth with a double tongue.

¹⁴ Counsel and equity is mine, prudence is mine, strength is mine.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things,

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and the mighty decree justice.

¹⁷ I love them that love me: and they that in the morning early watch for me, shall find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches and glory, glorious riches and justice.

¹⁹ For my fruit is better than gold and the precious stone, and my blossoms than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of justice, in the midst of the paths of judgment,

²¹ That I may enrich them that love me, and may fill their treasures.

²² The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made any thing from the beginning.

²³ I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made.

²⁴ The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived. neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out:

²⁵ The mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the hills I was brought forth:

²⁶ He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and compass he enclosed the depths:

²⁸ When he established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters:

²⁹ When he compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when be balanced the foundations of the earth;

³⁰ I was with him forming all things: and was delighted every day, playing before him at all times;

³¹ Playing in the world: and my delights were to be with the children of men.

³² Now therefore, ye children, hear me: Blessed are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ He that shall find me, shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord:

³ Beside 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!

⁵ If you're immature, learn how to grow up. If you're stupid, learn what makes good sense.

⁶ Listen to me because I have valuable things to explain to you.

⁷ I say what's right, because I tell the truth and I hate wickedness in all its forms.

⁸ All the words I say are true; none are false or misleading.

⁹ My words are straightforward to anyone with understanding; they are correct to those who have knowledge.

¹⁰ Choose my instruction over silver; choose knowledge over pure gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is more valuable than rubies; everything you could ever want just doesn't compare!

¹² I, wisdom, am at home with good decisions. I know how to find knowledge and discernment.

¹³ Honoring the Lord means hating evil. So I hate pride and arrogance, wicked behavior and telling lies.

¹⁴ I have advice and good judgment; I know what makes sense, and I have power.

¹⁵ It's because of me that kings reign, and rulers issue fair decrees.

¹⁶ It's because of me that leaders and nobles govern—all who rule justly.

¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who really look for me will find me.

¹⁸ With me go riches and honor, lasting wealth and prosperity.

¹⁹ The fruit I produce is better than gold, even pure gold, and my harvest is better than even the best silver.

²⁰ I live in a way that's right; I follow the paths of justice.

²¹ I grant wealth to those who love me; I fill their treasure storehouses.

²² The Lord created me first of all; I was made before anything else.

²³ I was formed a long time ago, at the first, before the world began.

²⁴ I was born when there were no ocean depths, when there were no springs pouring out water.

²⁵ I was born before the mountains or the hills had been formed,

²⁶ when he hadn't made the earth and its fields or any of the earth's dust.

²⁷ I was there when he placed the heavens in position, when he drew the horizon over the ocean,

²⁸ when he made the clouds in the sky above, when he created the springs of the oceans,

²⁹ when 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.

³⁰ Then I was beside him as a master craftsman. I made him happy every day, and I was always full of joy in his presence.

³¹ I was so happy in the world he created, celebrating together with human beings.

³² And now, my sons, listen to me, for happy are those who follow my ways.

³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise—do not reject it.

³⁴ Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me every day at my doors, waiting at my entrance way.

³⁵ For those who find me, find life, and are accepted by the Lord.

³ She cryeth besides the gates before the citie at the entrie of the doores,

⁴ O men, I call vnto you, and vtter my voyce to the children of men.

⁵ O ye foolish men, vnderstand wisedome, and ye, O fooles, be wise in heart.

⁶ Giue eare, for I will speake of excellent things, and the opening of my lippes, shall teache things that be right.

⁷ For my mouth shall speake the trueth, and my lippes abhorre wickednesse.

⁸ All the wordes of my mouth are righteous: there is no lewdenes, nor frowardnesse in them.

⁹ They are all plaine to him that will vnderstande, and streight to them that woulde finde knowledge.

¹⁰ Receiue mine instruction, and not siluer, and knowledge rather then fine golde.

¹¹ For wisdome is better then precious stones: and all pleasures are not to be compared vnto her.

¹² I wisdome dwell with prudence, and I find foorth knowledge and counsels.

¹³ The feare of the Lord is to hate euill as pride, and arrogancie, and the euill way: and a mouth that speaketh lewde things, I doe hate.

¹⁴ I haue counsell and wisedome: I am vnderstanding, and I haue strength.

¹⁵ By me, Kings reigne, and princes decree iustice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule and the nobles, and all the iudges of the earth.

¹⁷ I loue them that loue me: and they that seeke me earely, shall finde me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me: euen durable riches and righteousnesse.

¹⁹ My fruite is better then golde, euen then fine golde, and my reuenues better then fine siluer.

²⁰ I cause to walke in the way of righteousnes, and in the middes of the paths of iudgement,

²¹ That I may cause them that loue me, to inherite substance, and I will fill their treasures.

²² The Lord hath possessed me in the beginning of his way: I was before his workes of olde.

²³ I was set vp from euerlasting, from the beginning and before the earth.

²⁴ When there were no depths, was I begotten, when there were no fountaines abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountaines were setled: and before the hilles, was I begotten.

²⁶ He had not yet made the earth, nor the open places, nor the height of the dust in the worlde.

²⁷ When hee prepared the heauens, I was there, when he set the compasse vpon the deepe.

²⁸ When he established the cloudes aboue, when he confirmed the fountaines of the deepe,

²⁹ When he gaue his decree to the Sea, that the waters shoulde not passe his commandement: when he appointed the foundations of the earth,

³⁰ Then was I with him as a nourisher, and I was dayly his delight reioycing alway before him,

³¹ And tooke my solace in the compasse of his earth: and my delite is with the children of men.

³² Therefore nowe hearken, O children, vnto me: for blessed are they that keepe my wayes.

³³ Heare instruction, and be ye wise, and refuse it not: blessed is the man that heareth mee, watching dayly at my gates, and giuing attendance at the postes of my doores.

³⁴ For he that findeth me, findeth life, and shall obteine fauour of the Lord.

³⁵ But he that sinneth against me, hurteth his owne soule: and all that hate me, loue death.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:

⁴ 'Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.

⁵ O ye thoughtless, understand prudence, and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my mouth shall utter truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness, there is nothing perverse or crooked in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies, and all things desirable are not to be compared unto her.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of devices.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me, and those that seek me earnestly shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, enduring riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my produce than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, and that I may fill their treasuries.

²² The LORD made me as the beginning of His way, the first of His works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth;

²⁶ While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When He established the heavens, I was there; when He set a circle upon the face of the deep,

²⁸ When He made firm the skies above, when the fountains of the deep showed their might,

²⁹ When He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not transgress His commandment, when He appointed the foundations of the earth;

³⁰ Then I was by Him, as a nursling; and I was daily all delight, playing always before Him,

³¹ Playing in His habitable earth, and my delights are with the sons of men.

³² Now therefore, ye children, hearken unto me; for happy are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

³⁴ Happy is the man that hearkeneth to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

³ She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors.

⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of man.

⁵ O ye simple, understand wisdom: And, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear, for I will speak of excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my mouth shall speak truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing froward or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge of witty inventions.

¹³ The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the froward mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; Yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; And I will fill their treasures.

²² The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; When there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was there: When he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

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 commandment; When he appointed the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him;

³¹ Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; And my delights were with the sons of men.

³² Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: For blessed are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, And refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, And shall obtain favour of the Lord.

³ Alongside of gates, at the opening of the city, at the entrance of the town-doors doth she call loudly,

⁴ Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice goeth forth to the sons of men,

⁵ Learn, O ye simple, to understand prudence: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear! for of noble things will I speak; and the opening of my lips shall be of what is equitable.

⁷ For truth uttereth my palate ever, and the abomination of my lips is wickedness.

⁸ In righteousness are all the sayings of my mouth, there is in them nothing crooked or perverse.

⁹ They are all evident to the man of understanding, and correct to those that have obtained knowledge.

¹⁰ Accept my correction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than pearls; and all the things that men wish for are not equal to her.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and the knowledge of discreet thoughts do I discover.

¹³ The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride and arrogance, and the evil way: and the mouth of perverseness do I hate.

¹⁴ Mine are counsel and sound wisdom: I am understanding; mine is might.

¹⁵ Through me do kings reign, and chieftains give decrees in righteousness.

¹⁶ Through me do princes rule, and the nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I indeed love those that love me: and those that seek me earnestly shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me, yea, enduring wealth and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, and than fine gold; and my products, than choice silver.

²⁰ On the road of righteousness do I walk firmly, in the midst the paths of justice:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit a lasting possession; and their treasures will I fill

²² The Lord created me as the beginning of his way, the first of his works from the commencement,

²³ From eternity was I appointed chief, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.

²⁴ When there were yet no depths, was I brought forth; when there were yet no springs laden heavily with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were yet sunk down, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the land and open fields, nor the chief of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle over the face of the deep;

²⁸ When he fastened the skies above; when the springs of the deep became strong;

²⁹ When he assigned to the sea his decree, that the waters should not transgress his order: when he established firmly the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ Then was I near him, as a nursling: and I was day by day his delights, playing before him at all times;

³¹ Playing in the world, his earth; and having my delights with the sons of men.

³² And now, O children of men, hearken unto me! for happy those that observe my ways.

³³ Hear correction, and be wise, and reject it not.

³⁴ Happy is the man that hearkeneth unto me, watching day by day at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For he who findeth me findeth life, and he obtaineth favor from the Lord.

³ For she sits by the gates of princes, And sings in the entrances, saying,

⁴ You, O men, I exhort; And utter my voice to the sons of men.

⁵ O ye simple, understand subtlety, And ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge.

⁶ Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn truths; And will produce right sayings from my lips.

⁷ For my throat shall meditate truth; And false lips are an abomination before me.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing in them wrong or perverse.

⁹ They are all evident to those that understand, And right to those that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than tried gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than precious stones; And no valuable substance is of equal worth with it.

¹² I wisdom have dwelt with counsel and knowledge, And I have called upon understanding.

¹³ The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, And insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men; And I hate the perverse ways of bad men.

¹⁴ Counsel and safety are mine: Prudence is mine, and strength is mine.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me nobles become great, And monarchs by me rule over the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; And they that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and glory belong to me; Yea, abundant possessions and righteousness.

¹⁹ It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; And my produce is better than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in ways of righteousness, And am conversant with the paths of judgment;

²¹ That I may divide substance to them that love me, And may fill their treasures with good things.

^21a If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.

²² The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

²³ He established me before time was in the beginning, Before he made the earth:

²⁴ even before he made the depths; Before the fountains of water came forth:

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, And before all hills, he begets me.

²⁶ The Lord made countries and uninhabited tracts, And the highest inhabited parts of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heaven, I was present with him; And when he prepared his throne upon the winds:

²⁸ And when he strengthened the clouds above; And when he secured the fountains of the earth:

²⁹ And when he strengthened the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ I was by him, suiting myself to him, I was that wherein he took delight; And daily I rejoiced in his presence continually.

³¹ For he rejoiced when he had completed the world, And rejoiced among the children of men.

³² Now then, my son, hear me: Blessed is the man who shall hearken to me, And the mortal who shall keep my ways;

³⁴ Watching daily at my doors, Waiting at the posts of my entrances.

³⁵ For my outgoings are the outgoings of life, And in them is prepared favor from the Lord.

³ By the side of the gates, In the entrance of the city, In the approaches to the doors, she crieth aloud.

⁴ “To you, O men! do I call, And my voice is to the sons of men!

⁵ O ye simple ones! learn wisdom, And ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart!

⁶ Hear, for I speak excellent things, And my lips utter that which is right.

⁷ For my mouth speaketh truth, And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in uprightness; There is nothing crooked or deceitful in them;

⁹ They are all plain to the man of understanding, And right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver. And knowledge rather than choice gold!

¹¹ For wisdom is better than pearls, And no precious things are to be compared with her.

¹² “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out the knowledge of sagacious counsels.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, And the deceitful mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound reason; I am understanding; I have strength.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me, And they who seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable riches and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold. And my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of equity.

²¹ I cause those who love me to possess substance; Yea, I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD created me, the firstling of his course, Before his works, of old;

²³ I was anointed from everlasting, From the beginning, even before the earth was made.

²⁴ When as yet there were no deeps, I was brought forth. When there were no springs, abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, Yea, before the hills, I was brought forth;

²⁶ Ere yet he had made the land and the wastes, And the first of the clods of the earth.

²⁷ When he framed the heavens, I was there; When he drew a circle upon the face of the deep;

²⁸ When he made firm the sky above, And the fountains of the deep rushed forth;

²⁹ When he gave to the sea its bounds, that the waters should not pass their border; When he marked out the foundations of the earth,—

³⁰ Then was I by him as a master-builder; I was his delight day by day, Exulting before him at all times;

³¹ Exulting in the habitable part of his earth, And my delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now, therefore, ye children, hearken to me! For happy are they who keep my ways!

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise! Yea, reject it not!

³⁴ Happy the man who hearkeneth to me, Who watcheth day by day at my gates, Who waiteth at the posts of my doors;

³⁵ For he that findeth me findeth life, And obtaineth favor from the LORD;

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

⁴ “To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

⁵ You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.

⁶ Sh'ma ·Hear obey·, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.

¹² “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of Adonai is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule; nobles, and all the upright rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I 'ahav ·affectionately love· those who 'ahav ·affectionately love· me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, kavod ·weighty glory·, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of mishpat ·justice·;

²¹ That I may give wealth to those who 'ahav ·affectionately love· me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “ Adonai possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

²⁹ when he gave to the sea its boundary by his statute, that the waters should not violate the word of his mouth, when he marked out the foundations of the earth;

³⁰ then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

³¹ Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, my sons, sh'ma ·hear obey· unto me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Sh'ma ·Hear obey· instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who sh'ma ·hears obeys· me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

³⁵ For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Adonai .

³ Before the gates at the entrance into the city, at the entrances into the city, she calls out.

⁴ “It is to you, people, that I call; my voice is for the sons of mankind.

⁵ You who are naive, learn wisdom; and you who are foolish, you must get an understanding mind.

⁶ Listen, because I will speak of noble things, and when my lips open I will say upright things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks what is trustworthy, and wickedness is disgusting to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are just; in them is nothing twisted or misleading.

⁹ All of them are straight for the person who understands; my words are upright for those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Acquire my instruction rather than silver; acquire knowledge rather than pure gold.

¹¹ For Wisdom is better than jewels; no treasure is equal to her.

¹² I, Wisdom, live with Prudence, and I possess knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance, the evil way, and perverted speech. I hate them.

¹⁴ I have good advice and sound wisdom; I am insight; strength belongs to me.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and rulers make laws that are just.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all who govern with justice.

¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me, find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches and honor, lasting wealth and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; my produce is better than pure silver.

²⁰ I walk in the path of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice.

²¹ As a result, I make those who love me inherit wealth; I fill up their treasuries.

²² Yahweh created me at the beginning, the first of his deeds then.

²³ In ages long ago I was made—from the first, from the beginnings of the earth.

²⁴ Before there were oceans, I was given birth— before there were springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled and before the hills, I was born.

²⁶ I was born before Yahweh had made the earth or the fields, or even the first dust in the world.

²⁷ I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew a circle on the surface of the deep.

²⁸ I was there when he established the clouds above and when the springs in the deep became fixed.

²⁹ I was there when he made his limit for the sea, so the waters should not spread beyond his command, and when there was set the limit for the foundations of the dry land.

³⁰ I was beside him, as a skilled craftsman; I was his delight day after day, always rejoicing before him.

³¹ I was rejoicing in his whole world, and my delight was in the sons of mankind.

³² Now, my sons, listen to me, for those who keep my ways will be blessed.

³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not neglect it.

³⁴ The one who listens to me will be blessed. He will be watching every day at my doors, waiting beside the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoever finds me, finds life, and he will find the favor of Yahweh.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

⁴ “I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

⁵ You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.

¹² “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

²⁹ when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

³⁰ then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

⁴ “I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

⁵ You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.

¹² “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honour, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

²⁹ when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

³⁰ then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favour from the LORD.

³ She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors.

⁴ To you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

⁵ O ye simple, understand wisdom: and ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of ingenious inventions.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me; durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth.

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

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 commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ Then I was by him, as one brought up with him : and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

³¹ Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

³² Now therefore hearken to me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoever findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor from the LORD.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

⁴ “I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

⁵ You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.

¹² “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

²⁹ when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

³⁰ then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor from the LORD.

³ Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

⁴ “I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

⁵ You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.

¹² “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honour, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

²⁹ when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

³⁰ then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favour from the LORD.

³ and it standeth beside the gates of the city, in those enclosings, and speaketh, and saith,

⁴ A! ye men, I cry oft to you; and my voice is to the sons of men.

⁵ Little children, that is, little of wit, understand ye wisdom; and ye unwise men, perceiveth in heart.

⁶ Hear ye, for I shall speak of great things; and my lips shall be opened, to preach rightful or even things.

⁷ My throat shall bethink truth; and my lips shall curse a wicked man.

⁸ My words be just; no shrewd thing, neither wayward is in those.

⁹ They be rightful or right to them that understand; and they be even to them that find knowing.

¹⁰ Take ye my chastising or my discipline, and not money; choose ye teaching, more than treasure.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than all riches most precious; and all desirable thing may not be comparisoned thereto.

¹² I, wisdom, dwell in counsel; and I am among learned thoughts.

¹³ The dread of the Lord hateth evil; I curse boast, and pride, and a shrewd way, and a double-tongued mouth.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and equity; prudence is mine, and strength.

¹⁵ Kings reign by me; and makers of laws deem just things by me.

¹⁶ Princes command by me; and mighty men deem rightfulness or rightwiseness by me.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and they that wake early to me, shall find me.

¹⁸ With me be riches, and glory; sovereign riches, and rightfulness or rightwiseness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, and precious stone; and my seeds or my burgeonings be better than chosen silver.

²⁰ I go in the ways of rightfulness or rightwiseness, in the midst of the paths of doom;

²¹ that I make rich them that love me, and that I fill their treasures or their treasuries.

²² The Lord wielded me in the beginning of his ways; before that he made anything, at the beginning.

²³ From without beginning I was ordained; and from eld or old times, before that the earth was made.

²⁴ The Depths of waters were not yet; and I was conceived then. The wells of waters had not broken out yet,

²⁵ and hills stood not altogether yet by firm heaviness; before little hills I was born.

²⁶ Yet he had not made the earth; and floods, and the earths of the world.

²⁷ When he made ready heavens, I was present; when he compassed or enclosed the depths of waters by certain law and compass.

²⁸ When he made steadfast the air above; and weighed the wells of waters.

²⁹ When he compassed to the sea his mark; and setted or put law to waters, that they should not pass their coasts. When he weighed the foundaments of the earth;

³⁰ I was making all things with him. And I delighted by all days, and played before him in all time,

³¹ and I played in the world; and my delights be to be with the sons of men.

³² Now, therefore, sons, hear ye me; blessed be they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear ye teaching, and be ye wise men; and do not ye cast it away.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth at my gates all day; and keepeth or waiteth at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ He that findeth me, shall find life; and he shall draw health of the Lord.

³ and it standeth beside the gate(s) of the city, in those enclosings, and speaketh, and saith,

⁴ A! ye men, I cry oft to you; and my voice is to the sons of men. (O ye people! I often cry to you; and my words (be) for the sons and daughters of men.)

⁵ Little children, that is, little of wit, understand ye wisdom; and ye unwise men, perceiveth in heart. (Ye of little intelligence, understand ye wisdom; and ye who be unwise, think in your hearts.)

⁶ Hear ye (or Listen), for I shall speak of great things; and my lips shall be opened, to preach rightful things.

⁷ My throat shall bethink truth; and my lips shall curse a wicked man. (My mouth shall speak the truth; and my lips shall curse the wicked or for my lips hate wicked words.)

⁸ My words be just; no shrewd thing, neither wayward is in those. (My words be right, or true; there is nothing depraved, or wicked, in them.)

⁹ They be rightful to them that understand; and they be even to them that find knowing. (They be right to those who understand; and they be obvious to those who find knowledge.)

¹⁰ Take ye my chastising, and not money, (or Receive, or accept, my discipline, and not money); choose ye teaching, more than treasure.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than all riches most precious (or For wisdom is better than all of the most precious riches); and all desirable thing may not be comparisoned thereto.

¹² I, wisdom, dwell in counsel (or live in good advice); and I am among learned thoughts.

¹³ The dread of the Lord hateth evil; I curse boast, and pride, and a shrewd way, and a double-tongued mouth. (The fear of the Lord is to hate evil or To have reverence for the Lord is to hate evil; I curse boast, and pride, and a depraved way, and speaking with a double-tongue, or with duplicity.)

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and equity; prudence is mine, and strength. (Forethought is mine, and fairness, or equality; understanding is mine, and strength.)

¹⁵ Kings reign by me; and makers of laws deem just things by me. (Kings reign by me; and law-makers justly judge by me or and rulers make just laws by me.)

¹⁶ Princes command by me; and mighty men deem rightfulness by me. (Leaders command by me; and mighty men judge rightly, or with justice, by me.)

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and they that wake early to me, shall find me. (I love them who love me; and they who wake up early to seek me, shall find me.)

¹⁸ With me be riches, and glory; sovereign riches, and rightfulness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, and precious stone(s); and my seeds or burgeonings be better than chosen silver (or and my recompense is better than choice silver).

²⁰ I go in the ways of rightfulness, in the midst of the paths of doom; (I go on the ways of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;)

²¹ that I make rich them that love me (or so that I make rich those who love me), and that I fill their treasures/their treasuries.

²² The Lord wielded me in the beginning of his ways (or The Lord created me at the beginning of his ways); before that he made anything, (yea), at the (very) beginning.

²³ From without beginning I was ordained; and from eld times, before that the earth was made.

²⁴ The Depths of waters were not yet (made); and I was conceived then. The wells of waters had not broken out yet (or The water wells had not yet broken forth),

²⁵ and hills stood not (al)together yet by firm heaviness; before little hills I was born. (and the mountains did not yet stand with firm heaviness; yea, I was born before the little hills.)

²⁶ Yet he had not made the earth; and floods, and the earths of the world. (He had not yet made the earth; and the rivers, and the dust of the world.)

²⁷ When he made ready heavens, I was present, (or When he prepared the heavens, I was there); (and) when he compassed, or (en)closed, the depths of (the) waters by certain law and compass.

²⁸ When he made steadfast the air above; and weighed the wells of waters (or and set in place the water wells).

²⁹ When he compassed to the sea his mark (or When he set the boundaries for the seas); and setted law to (the) waters, that they should not pass their coasts. When he weighed the foundaments of the earth;

³⁰ I was making all (these) things with him. And I delighted by all days, and played before him in all time,

³¹ and I played in the world; and my delights be to be with the sons of men (or and my delight is to be with the sons and daughters of men).

³² Now, therefore, sons, hear ye me; blessed be they that keep my ways. (And so now, sons and daughters, listen ye to me; blessed be those who follow my ways.)

³³ Hear ye teaching, and be ye wise men; and do not ye cast it away. (Listen ye to my teaching, and be ye wise; and do not ye throw it away.)

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth at my gates all day, (or Happy is the person who listeneth to me, and who standeth watch at my gates all day long); and keepeth (guard) at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ He that findeth me, shall find life; and he shall draw health of the Lord. (He who findeth me, shall find life; and he shall obtain favour from the Lord.)

³ At the side of the gates, at the mouth of the city, The entrance of the openings, she crieth aloud,

⁴ 'Unto you, O men, I call, And my voice is unto the sons of men.

⁵ Understand, ye simple ones, prudence, And ye fools, understand the heart,

⁶ Hearken, for noble things I speak, And the opening of my lips is uprightness.

⁷ For truth doth my mouth utter, And an abomination to my lips is wickedness.

⁸ In righteousness are all the sayings of my mouth, Nothing in them is froward and perverse.

⁹ All of them are plain to the intelligent, And upright to those finding knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For better is wisdom than rubies, Yea, all delights are not comparable with it.

¹² I, wisdom, have dwelt with prudence, And a knowledge of devices I find out.

¹³ The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; Pride, and arrogance, and an evil way, And a froward mouth, I have hated.

¹⁴ Mine is counsel and substance, I am understanding, I have might.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,

¹⁶ By me do chiefs rule, and nobles, All judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those loving me, And those seeking me earnestly do find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and honour are with me, Lasting substance and righteousness.

¹⁹ Better is my fruit than gold, even fine gold, And mine increase than choice silver.

²⁰ In a path of righteousness I cause to walk, In midst of paths of judgment,

²¹ To cause my lovers to inherit substance, Yea, their treasures I fill.

²² Jehovah possessed me — the beginning of His way, Before His works since then.

²³ From the age I was anointed, from the first, From former states of the earth.

²⁴ In there being no depths, I was brought forth, In there being no fountains heavy with waters,

²⁵ Before mountains were sunk, Before heights, I was brought forth.

²⁶ While He had not made the earth, and out-places, And the top of the dusts of the world.

²⁷ In His preparing the heavens I am there, In His decreeing a circle on the face of the deep,

²⁸ In His strengthening clouds above, In His making strong fountains of the deep,

²⁹ In His setting for the sea its limit, And the waters transgress not His command, In His decreeing the foundations of earth,

³⁰ Then I am near Him, a workman, And I am a delight — day by day. Rejoicing before Him at all times,

³¹ Rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth, And my delights are with the sons of men.

³² And now, ye sons, hearken to me, Yea, happy are they who keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and slight not.

³⁴ O the happiness of the man hearkening to me, To watch at my doors day by day, To watch at the door-posts of my entrance.

³⁵ For whoso is finding me, hath found life, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.