The Excellence of Wisdom
Wisdom is portrayed crying out from the heights, crossroads, gates, and city entrances so that all may hear her. She addresses the simple and foolish, insisting that her speech is truthful, righteous, and straightforward, and that her instruction is more precious than silver, gold, or jewels.
D1oes not wisdom call out, 2On the heights overlooking the road, 3Beside the gates to the city, 4“To you, O men, I call out, 5O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; 6Listen, for I speak of noble things, 7For my mouth will speak the truth, 8All the words of my mouth are righteous; 9They are all plain to the discerning, 10Receive my instruction instead of silver, 11For wisdom is more precious than rubies,
Wisdom declares that she dwells with prudence, hates evil along with the fear of the LORD, and possesses counsel, sound judgment, insight, and strength. By her kings and rulers govern justly, and those who love and seek her receive durable riches, honor, righteousness, and true wealth.
12I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, 13To fear the LORD is to hate evil; 14Counsel and sound judgment are mine; 15By me kings reign, 16By me princes rule, 17I love those who love me, 18With me are riches and honor, 19My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, 20I walk in the way of righteousness, 21bestowing wealth on those who love me
Wisdom speaks of her origin before the earth's formed order and of her presence alongside the LORD as he established the heavens, sea, and foundations of the world. She delights in his created order and rejoices especially in the children of man, linking human flourishing to the wise structure of creation itself.
22The LORD created me as His first course, 23From everlasting I was established, 24When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, 25Before the mountains were settled, 26before He made the land or fields, 27I was there when He established the heavens, 28when He established the clouds above, 29when He set a boundary for the sea, 30Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, 31I was rejoicing in His whole world,
Wisdom returns to direct exhortation, calling the sons to hear instruction, watch for her daily, and refuse neglect. The one who finds her finds life and favor from the LORD, but the one who sins against her injures himself and effectively loves death.
32Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, 33Listen to instruction and be wise; 34Blessed is the man who listens to me, 35For whoever finds me finds life 36But he who fails to find me harms himself;