PROVERBS
1.
Let the wise listen and gain instruction,
and the discerning acquire wise counsel
Wisdom calls out in the street,
she lifts her voice in the square;
in the main concoursec she cries aloud,
at the city gates she makes her speech:
“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways?
How long will scoffers delight in their scorn
and fools hate knowledge?
2.
My son, if you accept my words
and hide my commandments within you,
if you incline your ear to wisdom
and direct your heart to understanding,
if you truly call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding,
if you seek it like silver
and search it out like hidden treasure,
then you will discern the fear of the LORD
and discover the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity,
to guard the paths of justice
and protect the way of His saints.
Then you will discern righteousness
and justice and equity—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will delight your soul.
3.
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who acquires understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver,
and her gain is better than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire compares with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
All her ways are pleasant,
and all her paths are peaceful.
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her,
and those who lay hold of her are blessed.
4.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you;
love her, and she will guard you.
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom.
And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
5.
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and call understanding your kinsman,
that they may keep you from the adulteress,
from the stranger with seductive words.