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, 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.

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 people with crooked hearts,
    but he delights in those with integrity.

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

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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 lying lips,
    but he delights in those who tell the truth.

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

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

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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.

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

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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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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 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
    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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True humility and fear of the Lord
    lead to riches, honor, and long life.

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