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[1] THEREFORE preach wisdom, and understanding will answer you.
[2] For wisdom is on the top of high places, she stands between the ways and by the paths.
[3] She cries at the gates, at the entrance of the city; she cries aloud, saying,
[4] Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men,
[5] So that the simple ones may understand prudence and the fools understand in their heart.
[6] Hear, for I will speak truth; and the opening of my mouth shall bring forth uprightness.
[7] For my mouth shall speak truth, and lying lips are an abomination before me.
[8] All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing perverse or deceptive in them.
[9] They are all plain to him who understands them, and right to those who are willing to find knowledge.
[10] Receive discipline and not silver; and choose for yourself knowledge rather than fine gold.
[11] For wisdom is much better than fine gold; yea, she is better than precious stones, and nothing can be compared to her
[12] I wisdom have created prudence, and I posses knowledge and reason.
[13] Reverence of the LORD despises evil; pride, arrogance, evil ways, and perverse speech do I hate.
[14] counsel and sound doctrine are mine; mine is understanding and might.
[15] By me kings reign and princes decree justice.
[16] By me princes and nobles rule, even all the righteous judges of the earth.
[17] I love those who love me; and those who seek me shall find me.
[18] Riches and honor are mine; yea, enduring riches and righteousness.
[19] My fruit is better than fine gold, and my ingathering than choice silver.
[20] I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,
[21] That I may cause those that love me to have hope; and I will fill their treasuries
[22] The LORD created me as the first of his creations, before all of his works.
[23] I was established from everlasting, from the beginning, before he made the earth.
[24] When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
[25] Before the mountains were settled, before the hills were formed was I conceived;
[26] While as yet he had not made the earth nor the valleys nor the best soil of the world.
[27] When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle upon the face of the deep;
[28] When he made firm the clouds above; when he strengthened the fountains of the deep;
[29] When he gave to the sea its bounds, that the waters should not transgress his commandment; when he laid down the foundations of the earth:
[30] I together with him was establishing them; and daily I was his delight, rejoicing always before him,
[31] Rejoicing in his habitable earth; and my delights were with the sons of men
[32] Now therefore hearken to me, O you children; for blessed is he who keeps my ways.
[33] Hear instruction and be wise and do not go astray.
[34] Blessed is the man who heeds me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my threshold.
[35] For my objectives are the issues of life, they proclaim the will of the LORD.
[36] Those who sin against me wrong their own soul; all those who hate me love death
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