<div class="version vid1588 iso6393eng" data-vid="1588" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkPRO">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="PRO.8">
            <div class="label">8</div><div class="s"><span class="heading">  </span><span class="it"><span class="heading">The Commendation of Wisdom</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.8.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Does not wisdom call,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.8.1"><span class="content">And understanding lift up her voice?</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.8.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.8.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">On the top of the heights beside the way,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.8.2"><span class="content">Where the paths meet, wisdom takes her stand;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.8.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.8.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Beside the gates, at the entrance to the city,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.8.3"><span class="content">At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.8.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.8.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">&#8220;To you, O men, I call,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.8.4"><span class="content">And my voice is directed to the sons of men.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.8.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.8.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;O you naive </span><span class="it"><span class="content">or</span></span><span class="content"> inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> seek astute common sense;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.8.5"><span class="content">And, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living]. [Is 32:6]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.8.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.8.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">&#8220;Listen, for I will speak excellent </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> noble things;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.8.6"><span class="content">And the opening of my lips </span><span class="it"><span class="content">will reveal</span></span><span class="content"> right things.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.8.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.8.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">&#8220;For my mouth will utter truth,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.8.7"><span class="content">And wickedness is repulsive </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> loathsome to my lips.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.8.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.8.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">&#8220;All the words of my mouth are in righteousness (upright, in right standing with God);</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.8.8"><span class="content">There is nothing contrary to truth or perverted (crooked) in them.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.8.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.8.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">&#8220;They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind],</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.8.9"><span class="content">And right to those who find knowledge </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> live by it.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.8.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.8.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;Take my instruction rather than [seeking] silver,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.8.10"><span class="content">And take knowledge rather than choicest gold,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.8.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.8.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">For wisdom is better than rubies;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.8.11"><span class="content">And all desirable things cannot compare with her. [Job 28:15; Ps 19:10; 119:127]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.8.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.8.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#182;&#8220;I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage and astute common sense],</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.8.12"><span class="content">And I find knowledge and discretion. [James 1:5]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.8.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.8.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;The [reverent] fear </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> worshipful awe of the L</span><span class="sc"><span class="content">ord</span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="it"><span class="content">includes</span></span><span class="content"> the hatred of evil;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.8.13"><span class="content">Pride and arrogance and the evil way,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.8.13"><span class="content">And the perverted mouth, I hate.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.8.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.8.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.8.14"><span class="content">I am understanding, power </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> strength are mine.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.8.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.8.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;By me kings reign</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.8.15"><span class="content">And rulers decide </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> decree justice. [Dan 2:21; Rom 13:1]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.8.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.8.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">&#8220;By me princes rule, and nobles,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.8.16"><span class="content">All who judge </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> govern rightly.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.8.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.8.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;I love those who love me;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.8.17"><span class="content">And those who seek me early </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> diligently will find me. [1&#8201;Sam 2:30; Ps 91:14; John 14:21; James 1:5]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.8.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.8.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">&#8220;Riches and honor are with me,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.8.18"><span class="content">Enduring wealth and righteousness (right standing with God). [Prov 3:16; Matt 6:33]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.8.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.8.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">&#8220;My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.8.19"><span class="content">And my yield is better than choicest silver.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.8.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.8.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;I, [Wisdom, continuously] walk in the way of righteousness,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.8.20"><span class="content">In the midst of the paths of justice,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.8.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.8.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> true riches,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.8.21"><span class="content">And that I may fill their treasuries.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.8.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.8.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">&#182;&#8220;The L</span><span class="sc"><span class="content">ord</span></span><span class="content"> created </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> possessed me at the beginning of His way,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.8.22"><span class="content">Before His works of old [were accomplished].</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.8.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.8.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">&#8220;From everlasting I was established </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> ordained,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.8.23"><span class="content">From the beginning, before the earth existed, [I, godly wisdom, existed]. [John 1:1; 1&#8201;Cor 1:24]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.8.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.8.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">&#8220;When there were no ocean depths I was born,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.8.24"><span class="content">When there were no fountains </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> springs overflowing with water.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.8.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.8.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">&#8220;Before the mountains were settled,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.8.25"><span class="content">Before the hills, I was born; [Job 15:7, 8]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.8.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.8.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">While He had not yet made the earth and the fields,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.8.26"><span class="content">Or the first of the dust of the earth.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.8.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.8.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">&#8220;When He established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.8.27"><span class="content">When He drew a circle upon the face of the deep,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.8.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.8.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">When He made firm the skies above,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.8.28"><span class="content">When the fountains and springs of the deep became fixed </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> strong,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.8.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.8.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">When He set for the sea its boundary</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.8.29"><span class="content">So that the waters would not transgress [the boundaries set by] His command,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.8.29"><span class="content">When He marked out the foundations of the earth&#8212; [Job 38:10, 11; Ps 104:6-9; Jer 5:22]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.8.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.8.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Then I was beside Him, as a master craftsman;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.8.30"><span class="content">And I was daily His delight;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.8.30"><span class="content">Rejoicing before Him always, [Matt 3:17; John 1:2, 18]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.8.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.8.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Rejoicing in the world, His inhabited earth,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.8.31"><span class="content">And having my delight in the sons of men. [Ps 16:3]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.8.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.8.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">&#182;&#8220;Now therefore, O sons, listen to me,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.8.32"><span class="content">For blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] are they who keep my ways. [Ps 119:1, 2; 128:1, 2; Luke 11:28]</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.8.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.8.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">&#8220;Heed (pay attention to) instruction and be wise,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.8.33"><span class="content">And do not ignore </span><span class="it"><span class="content">or</span></span><span class="content"> neglect it.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.8.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.8.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">&#8220;Blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] is the man who listens to me,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.8.34"><span class="content">Watching daily at my gates,</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.8.34"><span class="content">Waiting at my doorposts.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.8.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.8.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">&#8220;For whoever finds me (Wisdom) finds life</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.8.35"><span class="content">And obtains favor </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> grace from the L</span><span class="sc"><span class="content">ord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.8.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="PRO.8.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">&#8220;But he who fails to find me </span><span class="it"><span class="content">or</span></span><span class="content"> sins against me injures himself;</span></span></div><div class="q"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="PRO.8.36"><span class="content">All those who hate me love </span><span class="it"><span class="content">and</span></span><span class="content"> court death.&#8221;</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
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Does not wisdom call,
And understanding lift up her voice?
On the top of the heights beside the way,
Where the paths meet, wisdom takes her stand;
Beside the gates, at the entrance to the city,
At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:
“To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is directed to the sons of men.
“O you naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence and seek astute common sense;
And, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living]. [Is 32:6]
“Listen, for I will speak excellent and noble things;
And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.
“For my mouth will utter truth,
And wickedness is repulsive and loathsome to my lips.
“All the words of my mouth are in righteousness (upright, in right standing with God);
There is nothing contrary to truth or perverted (crooked) in them.
“They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind],
And right to those who find knowledge and live by it.
“Take my instruction rather than [seeking] silver,
And take knowledge rather than choicest gold,
For wisdom is better than rubies;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her. [Job 28:15; Ps 19:10; 119:127]
¶“I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage and astute common sense],
And I find knowledge and discretion. [James 1:5]
“The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the LORD includes the hatred of evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way,
And the perverted mouth, I hate.
“Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, power and strength are mine.
“By me kings reign
And rulers decide and decree justice. [Dan 2:21; Rom 13:1]
“By me princes rule, and nobles,
All who judge and govern rightly.
“I love those who love me;
And those who seek me early and diligently will find me. [1 Sam 2:30; Ps 91:14; John 14:21; James 1:5]
“Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness (right standing with God). [Prov 3:16; Matt 6:33]
“My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield is better than choicest silver.
“I, [Wisdom, continuously] walk in the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,
That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth and true riches,
And that I may fill their treasuries.
¶“The LORD created and possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old [were accomplished].
“From everlasting I was established and ordained,
From the beginning, before the earth existed, [I, godly wisdom, existed]. [John 1:1; 1 Cor 1:24]
“When there were no ocean depths I was born,
When there were no fountains and springs overflowing with water.
“Before the mountains were settled,
Before the hills, I was born; [Job 15:7, 8]
While He had not yet made the earth and the fields,
Or the first of the dust of the earth.
“When He established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there;
When He drew a circle upon the face of the deep,
When He made firm the skies above,
When the fountains and springs of the deep became fixed and strong,
When He set for the sea its boundary
So that the waters would not transgress [the boundaries set by] His command,
When He marked out the foundations of the earth— [Job 38:10, 11; Ps 104:6-9; Jer 5:22]
Then I was beside Him, as a master craftsman;
And I was daily His delight;
Rejoicing before Him always, [Matt 3:17; John 1:2, 18]
Rejoicing in the world, His inhabited earth,
And having my delight in the sons of men. [Ps 16:3]
¶“Now therefore, O sons, listen to me,
For blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] are they who keep my ways. [Ps 119:1, 2; 128:1, 2; Luke 11:28]
“Heed (pay attention to) instruction and be wise,
And do not ignore or neglect it.
“Blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at my doorposts.
“For whoever finds me (Wisdom) finds life
And obtains favor and grace from the LORD.
“But he who fails to find me or sins against me injures himself;
All those who hate me love and court death.”

Listen to Proverbs 8