20. In Praise of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:1~24)

8:1. Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
8:2. She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
8:3. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
8:4. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
8:5. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
8:6. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
8:7. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8:8. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
8:9. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
8:10. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
8:11. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
8:12. I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
8:13. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
8:14. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
8:15. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
8:16. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
8:17. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
8:18. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
8:19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
8:20. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
8:21. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
8:22. The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
8:23. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
8:24. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.