Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

Proverbs 8 (New Living Translation)

Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

¹ Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Hear as understanding raises her voice!
² On the hilltop along the road,
she takes her stand at the crossroads.
³ By the gates at the entrance to the town,
on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
⁴ “I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
⁵ You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
⁶ Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
⁷ for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
⁸ My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
⁹ My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
¹⁰ Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
¹¹ For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
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.