Proverbs 8:1-36 ICB

[1] Like a person, wisdom calls out to you. Understanding raises her voice. [2] On the hilltops along the road and at the crossroads, she stands calling. [3] She stands beside the city gates. At the entrances into the city, she calls out: [4] "People, I'm calling out to you. I am shouting to all people. [5] You who do not know better, get the ability to think. You who are foolish, get understanding. [6] Listen. I have important things to say. What I tell you is right. [7] What I say is true. I hate it when people speak evil. [8] Everything I say is honest. Nothing I say is crooked or false. [9] People with good sense know that what I say is true. People with knowledge know that my words are right. [10] Choose my teachings instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than the finest gold. [11] Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing you want is equal to it. [12] "I am wisdom, and I have the ability to think. I also have knowledge and good sense. [13] If you respect the Lord, you also will hate evil. It is wise to hate pride and bragging, evil ways and lies. [14] I have good sense and advice. I have understanding and power. [15] Kings use me to govern. And rulers use me to make fair laws. [16] Princes use me to lead. So do important men and all good judges. [17] I love those who love me. Those who want me find me. [18] Riches and honor are mine. So are wealth and lasting success. [19] What I give is better than the finest gold. What I give is better than pure silver. [20] I do what is right. I do what is fair. [21] I give wealth to those who love me. I fill them with treasures. [22] "I, wisdom, was with God when he began his work. This was before he made anything else long ago. [23] I was appointed in the very beginning, even before the world began. [24] I began before there were oceans. There were no springs overflowing with water. [25] I began before the hills were there. The mountains had not even been put in place. [26] God still had not made the earth or fields. He had not even made the first dust of the earth. [27] I was there when God put the skies in place, when he stretched the horizon over the oceans. [28] I was there when he made the clouds above. I was there when he put the fountains in the oceans. [29] I was there when he ordered the sea not to go beyond the borders he had set for it. I was there when he laid the earth's foundation. [30] I was like a child by his side. I was happy every day and enjoyed being in his presence. [31] I enjoyed the whole world. And I was happy with all its people. [32] "Now, my children, listen to me. Those who follow my ways are happy. [33] Listen to my teaching, and you will be wise. Do not ignore it. [34] Those who listen to me are happy. They stand watching at my door every day. They are at my open doorway, wanting to be with me. [35] Whoever finds me finds life. And the Lord will be pleased with him. [36] Whoever does not find me hurts himself. Those who hate me love death."