Proverbs 8:1-11

Contemporary English Version

In Praise of Wisdom

8 ^(A) With great understanding,
    Wisdom^[a] is calling out
²as she stands at the crossroads
    and on every hill.
³She stands by the city gate
where everyone enters the city,
    and she shouts:
⁴“I am calling out
    to each one of you!
⁵Good sense and sound judgment
    can be yours.
⁶Listen, because what I say
    is worthwhile and right.
⁷I always speak the truth
    and refuse to tell a lie.
⁸Every word I speak is honest,
not one is misleading
    or deceptive.

⁹“If you have understanding,
you will see that my words
    are just what you need.
¹⁰Let instruction and knowledge
mean more to you than silver
    or the finest gold.
¹¹^(B) Wisdom is worth much more
than precious jewels
    or anything else you desire.”