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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.

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12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
    I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
    Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
    corruption and perverse speech.
14 Common sense and success belong to me.
    Insight and strength are mine.
15 Because of me, kings reign,
    and rulers make just decrees.
16 Rulers lead with my help,
    and nobles make righteous judgments.[a]

17 “I love all who love me.
    Those who search will surely find me.
18 I have riches and honor,
    as well as enduring wealth and justice.

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Footnotes

  1. 8:16 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Greek version read and nobles are judges over the earth.

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
    I possess knowledge and discretion.(A)
13 To fear the Lord(B) is to hate evil;(C)
    I hate(D) pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
    I have insight, I have power.(E)
15 By me kings reign
    and rulers(F) issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,(G)
    and nobles—all who rule on earth.[a]
17 I love those who love me,(H)
    and those who seek me find me.(I)
18 With me are riches and honor,(J)
    enduring wealth and prosperity.(K)

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Footnotes

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

20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh,
    but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.

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20 The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,
    but he delights in those with integrity.

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20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse,(A)
    but he delights(B) in those whose ways are blameless.(C)

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A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh,
    but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.

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The Lord approves of those who are good,
    but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

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Good people obtain favor from the Lord,(A)
    but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.(B)

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22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh,
    but those who do the truth are his delight.

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22 The Lord detests lying lips,
    but he delights in those who tell the truth.

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22 The Lord detests lying lips,(A)
    but he delights(B) in people who are trustworthy.(C)

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31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker,
    but he who is kind to the needy honors him.

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31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
    but helping the poor honors him.

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31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,(A)
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.(B)

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The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
    but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
    but he loves him who follows after righteousness.

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The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
    but he delights in the prayers of the upright.

The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
    but he loves those who pursue godliness.

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The Lord detests the sacrifice(A) of the wicked,(B)
    but the prayer of the upright pleases him.(C)

The Lord detests the way of the wicked,(D)
    but he loves those who pursue righteousness.(E)

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30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil,
    and beatings purge the innermost parts.

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30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil;[a]
    such discipline purifies the heart.

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Footnotes

  1. 20:30 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

30 Blows and wounds scrub(A) away evil,
    and beatings(B) purge the inmost being.

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To do righteousness and justice
    is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.

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The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
    than when we offer him sacrifices.

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To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(A)

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21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness
    finds life, righteousness, and honor.

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21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
    will find life, righteousness, and honor.

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21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
    finds life, prosperity[a](A) and honor.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness