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11 (A)“I am Wisdom, I am better than jewels;
    nothing you want can compare with me.
12 I am Wisdom, and I have insight;
    I have knowledge and sound judgment.
13 To honor the Lord is to hate evil;
    I hate pride and arrogance,
    evil ways and false words.
14 I make plans and carry them out.
    I have understanding, and I am strong.
15 I help kings to govern
    and rulers to make good laws.
16 Every ruler on earth governs with my help,
    officials and nobles alike.
17 I love those who love me;
    whoever looks for me can find me.
18 I have riches and honor to give,
    prosperity and success.
19 What you get from me is better than the finest gold,
    better than the purest silver.
20 I walk the way of righteousness;
    I follow the paths of justice,
21 giving wealth to those who love me,
    filling their houses with treasures.

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11 for wisdom is more precious(A) than rubies,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.(B)

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
    I possess knowledge and discretion.(C)
13 To fear the Lord(D) is to hate evil;(E)
    I hate(F) pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
    I have insight, I have power.(G)
15 By me kings reign
    and rulers(H) issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,(I)
    and nobles—all who rule on earth.[a]
17 I love those who love me,(J)
    and those who seek me find me.(K)
18 With me are riches and honor,(L)
    enduring wealth and prosperity.(M)
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;(N)
    what I yield surpasses choice silver.(O)
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,(P)
    along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
    and making their treasuries full.(Q)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 8:16 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; other Hebrew manuscripts all righteous rulers