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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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The Way of Wisdom

12 “I, wisdom, am related to[a] prudence.
    I know how to be discreet.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.
    Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle,
        and perverted speech I despise.
14 Counsel belongs to me,
    along with sound judgment.
I am understanding.
    Power belongs to me.
15 Kings reign by me,
    and rulers dispense justice through me.
16 By me leaders rule, as do noble officials
    and all who govern justly.[b]
17 I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me will find me.
18 Wealth and honor accompany me,
    as do enduring wealth and righteousness.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 8:12 Lit. wisdom, live with
  2. Proverbs 8:16 So MT; LXX reads and tyrants rule the earth

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 Devious minds are abhorrent to the Lord,
    but those whose ways are innocent are his delight.

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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 good person will gain favor from the Lord,
    but the man who plots evil will be condemned by him.

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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 Deceitful speech is reprehensible to the Lord,
    but those who act faithfully are his delight.

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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 Whoever oppresses the poor defies their Creator,
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors them.

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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 sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,
    but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The lifestyle of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,
    but he loves those who ardently pursue righteousness.

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

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30 Blows that wound clean away evil;
    such beatings cleanse[a] the innermost being.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:30 The Heb. lacks cleanse

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

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

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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 gracious love
    finds life, righteousness, and honor.

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The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
    is wealth, honor, and life.

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

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