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

12 I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence;
    I have found knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
    I hate pride and arrogance,
        the path of evil and corrupt speech.
14 I have advice and ability,
    as well as understanding and strength.
15 By me kings rule,
    and princes issue righteous decrees.
16 By me rulers govern,
    and officials judge righteously.[a]
17 I love those who love me;
    those who seek me will find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
    as well as enduring wealth and righteousness.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 8:16 Heb uncertain

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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20 The Lord detests a crooked heart,
    but he favors those whose path is innocent.

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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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The Lord favors good people,
    but he condemns schemers.

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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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22 The Lord detests false lips;
    he favors those who do what is true.

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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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31 Those who exploit the powerless anger their maker,
    while those who are kind to the poor honor God.

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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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The Lord detests the sacrifices of the wicked,
    but favors the prayers of those who do right.
The Lord detests the path of the wicked,
    but loves those who pursue righteousness.

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

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30 Blows and bruises remove evil;
    beatings cleanse the inner parts.

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

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Acting with righteousness and justice
    is more valued by the Lord than sacrifice.

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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

21 Those who pursue righteousness and kindness
    will find life, righteousness, and honor.

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Humility is the fear of the Lord;
    its wages are riches and honor(A) and life.(B)

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The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord
    is wealth, honor, and life.

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