¹² “I am Wisdom, and I ·have good judgment [dwell with prudence].
    I also have knowledge and ·good sense [discretion].
¹³ ·If you respect the Lord, you will also [^LThose who fear/have awe for the Lord] hate evil.
    I hate pride and ·bragging [arrogance],
    ·evil ways [^Lthe path of evil] and ·lies [^La perverse mouth].
¹⁴ I have advice and ·good sense [resourcefulness; ability],
    and I have understanding and ·power [strength].
¹⁵ ·I help kings to govern [^LBy me kings reign]
    and ·rulers [princes] ·to make fair laws [issue just decrees].
¹⁶ ·Princes use me to lead [^LBy me rulers rule],
    and ·so do all important people who [nobles] judge fairly [Deut. 34:9; 1 Kin. 3:1–15; Ezra 7:25; Col. 1:16].
¹⁷ I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me find me.
¹⁸ Riches and honor are mine to give.
    So are lasting wealth and ·success [or righteousness].

²⁰ The Lord ·hates [detests] those with ·evil [crooked] hearts
but is pleased with those who are innocent on the path.

² The Lord ·is pleased with [favors] a good person,
but he will ·punish [condemn] ·anyone who plans evil [schemers].

²² The Lord ·hates [detests] ·those who tell lies [false lips]
but ·is pleased with [favors] those who ·keep their promises [do what is true].

³¹ Whoever ·mistreats [oppresses] the poor insults their Maker,
but whoever ·is kind [shows grace] to the needy honors God.

⁸ The Lord ·hates [detests] the sacrifice that the wicked offer,
but he ·likes [favors] the prayers of ·honest people [people with integrity].

⁹ The Lord ·hates [detests] ·what evil people do [^Lthe path of the wicked],
but he ·loves [favors] those who ·do what is right [pursue righteousness].

³⁰ ·Hard punishment [^LBlows and bruises] ·will get rid of [cleanses away] evil,
and ·whippings [beatings] ·can change an evil heart [^Lthe inner parts].

³ Doing what is ·right [righteous] and ·fair [just]
is more ·important [preferable] to the Lord than sacrifices [1 Sam. 15:22; Is. 1:11–17; Hos. 6:6; Mic. 6:6–8].

²¹ Whoever ·tries to live right and be loyal [^Lpursues righteousness and loyalty]
finds life, ·success [righteousness], and honor.

⁴ ·Respecting [Fearing] the Lord [1:7] and ·not being proud [humility]
will bring you wealth, honor, and life.