1 Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
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2 On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she stands.
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3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entry doors, she cries aloud:
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4 "To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
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5 You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.
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6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.
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7 For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
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8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
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9 They are all plain to him who understands, Right to those who find knowledge.
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10 Receive my instruction rather than silver; Knowledge rather than choice gold.
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11 For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.
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12 "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.
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13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
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14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.
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15 By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
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16 By me princes rule; Nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
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17 I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.
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18 With me are riches, honor, Enduring wealth, and prosperity.
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19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; My yield than choice silver.
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20 I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;
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21 That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.
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22 "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, Before his deeds of old.
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23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth existed.
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24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water.
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25 Before the mountains were settled in place, Before the hills, I was brought forth;
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26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
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27 When he established the heavens, I was there; When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
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28 When he established the clouds above, When the springs of the deep became strong,
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29 When he gave to the sea its boundary, That the waters should not violate his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth;
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30 Then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, Always rejoicing before him,
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31 Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.
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32 "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, For blessed are those who keep my ways.
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33 Hear instruction, and be wise, Don't refuse it.
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34 Blessed is the man who hears me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my door posts.
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35 For whoever finds me, finds life, And will obtain favor from Yahweh.
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36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death."
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