Proverbs 8:4-21

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁴ “To you, O people, I call,
    and my cry is to all who live.
⁵ O simple ones, learn prudence;
    acquire intelligence, you who lack it.^(A)
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
    and from my lips will come what is right,^(B)
7 for my mouth will utter truth;
    wickedness is an abomination to my lips.^(C)
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
    there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
⁹ They are all straight to one who understands
    and right to those who find knowledge.^(D)
10 Take my instruction instead of silver
    and knowledge rather than choice gold,^(E)
11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.^(F)
12 I, wisdom, live with prudence,
    and I attain knowledge and discretion.^(G)
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
    and perverted speech I hate.^(H)
14 I have good advice and sound wisdom;
    I have insight; I have strength.^(I)
15 By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;^(J)
16 by me rulers rule,
    and nobles, all who govern rightly.
¹⁷ I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.^(K)
18 Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and prosperity.^(L)
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.^(M)
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
    along the paths of justice,
²¹ endowing with wealth those who love me
    and filling their treasuries.