International Standard Version | International Standard Version |
1Isn't wisdom calling out; isn't understanding raising her voice? | 1Isn't wisdom calling out; isn't understanding raising her voice? |
2On top of the highest places along the road she stands where the roads meet. | 2On top of the highest places along the road she stands where the roads meet. |
3Beside the gates, at the city entrance— at the entrance to the portals she cries aloud: | 3Beside the gates, at the city entrance— at the entrance to the portals she cries aloud: |
4"I'm calling to you, men! What I have to say pertains to all mankind! | 4"I'm calling to you, men! What I have to say pertains to all mankind! |
5Understand prudence, you naïve people; and gain an understanding heart, you foolish ones. | 5Understand prudence, you naïve people; and gain an understanding heart, you foolish ones. |
6Listen, because I have noble things to say, and what I have to say will reveal what is right. | 6Listen, because I have noble things to say, and what I have to say will reveal what is right. |
7For my mouth speaks the truth— wickedness is detestable to me. | 7For my mouth speaks the truth— wickedness is detestable to me. |
8Everything I have to say is just; there isn't anything corrupt or perverse in my speech. | 8Everything I have to say is just; there isn't anything corrupt or perverse in my speech. |
9Everything I say is sensible to someone who understands, and correct to those who have acquired knowledge. | 9Everything I say is sensible to someone who understands, and correct to those who have acquired knowledge. |
10Grab hold of my instruction in lieu of money and knowledge instead of the finest gold, | 10Grab hold of my instruction in lieu of money and knowledge instead of the finest gold, |
11because wisdom is better than precious gems and nothing you desire can compare to it." | 11because wisdom is better than precious gems and nothing you desire can compare to it." |
12"I, wisdom, am related to prudence. I know how to be discreet. | 12"I, wisdom, am related to prudence. I know how to be discreet. |
13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle, and perverted speech I despise. | 13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle, and perverted speech I despise. |
14Counsel belongs to me, along with sound judgment. I am understanding. Power belongs to me. | 14Counsel belongs to me, along with sound judgment. I am understanding. Power belongs to me. |
15Kings reign by me, and rulers dispense justice through me. | 15Kings reign by me, and rulers dispense justice through me. |
16By me leaders rule, as do noble officials and all who govern justly. | 16By me leaders rule, as do noble officials and all who govern justly. |
17I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me. | 17I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me. |
18Wealth and honor accompany me, as do enduring wealth and righteousness. | 18Wealth and honor accompany me, as do enduring wealth and righteousness. |
19My fruit is better than gold, better than even refined gold, and my benefit surpasses the purest silver. | 19My fruit is better than gold, better than even refined gold, and my benefit surpasses the purest silver. |
20I walk on the way of righteousness, along paths that are just, | 20I walk on the way of righteousness, along paths that are just, |
21I bequeath wealth to those who love me, and I will fill their treasuries." | 21I bequeath wealth to those who love me, and I will fill their treasuries." |
22"The LORD made me as he began his planning, before his ancient activity commenced. | 22"The LORD made me as he began his planning, before his ancient activity commenced. |
23From eternity I was appointed, from the beginning, from before there was land. | 23From eternity I was appointed, from the beginning, from before there was land. |
24When there were no ocean depths, I brought them to birth at a time when there were no springs. | 24When there were no ocean depths, I brought them to birth at a time when there were no springs. |
25Before the mountains were shaped, before there were hills, I was bringing them to birth. | 25Before the mountains were shaped, before there were hills, I was bringing them to birth. |
26Even though he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the world's first grains of dust, | 26Even though he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the world's first grains of dust, |
27when he crafted the heavens, I was there— when he marked out a circle on the face of the deep, | 27when he crafted the heavens, I was there— when he marked out a circle on the face of the deep, |
28when he made the clouds from above, when the springs of the depths were established, | 28when he made the clouds from above, when the springs of the depths were established, |
29when he set a boundary for the sea so the waters would not exceed his limits, when he marked out the foundations of the earth. | 29when he set a boundary for the sea so the waters would not exceed his limits, when he marked out the foundations of the earth. |
30Then I was with him, his master craftsman— I was his delight daily, continuously rejoicing in his presence, | 30Then I was with him, his master craftsman— I was his delight daily, continuously rejoicing in his presence, |
31rejoicing in his inhabitable world and taking delight in mankind." | 31rejoicing in his inhabitable world and taking delight in mankind." |
32"So listen to me, children! Blessed are those who obey me. | 32"So listen to me, children! Blessed are those who obey me. |
33Listen to instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it. | 33Listen to instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it. |
34Blessed is the person who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorways— | 34Blessed is the person who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorways— |
35because those who find me find life and gain favor from the LORD. | 35because those who find me find life and gain favor from the LORD. |
36But whoever sins against me destroys himself; everyone who hates me loves death." | 36But whoever sins against me destroys himself; everyone who hates me loves death." |
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
|