8:1  Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice?

8:2  On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she stands.

8:3  Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entry doors, she cries aloud:

8:4  "To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

8:5  You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.

8:6  Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

8:7  For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8:8  All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

8:9  They are all plain to him who understands, Right to those who find knowledge.

8:10  Receive my instruction rather than silver; Knowledge rather than choice gold.

8:11  For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.

8:12  "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

8:13  The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

8:14  Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

8:15  By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.

8:16  By me princes rule; Nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

8:17  I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

8:18  With me are riches, honor, Enduring wealth, and prosperity.

8:19  My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; My yield than choice silver.

8:20  I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;

8:21  That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

8:22  "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, Before his deeds of old.

8:23  I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth existed.

8:24  When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water.

8:25  Before the mountains were settled in place, Before the hills, I was brought forth;

8:26  While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

8:27  When he established the heavens, I was there; When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

8:28  When he established the clouds above, When the springs of the deep became strong,

8:29  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;

8:30  Then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, Always rejoicing before him,

8:31  Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

8:32  "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, For blessed are those who keep my ways.

8:33  Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it.

8:34  Blessed is the man who hears me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my door posts.

8:35  For whoever finds me, finds life, And will obtain favor from Yahweh.

8:36  But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death."