Proverbs 8 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Proverbs 8 meaning explained in AI Summary

Chapter 8 of Proverbs presents a powerful personification of Wisdom, portraying her as a woman crying out and offering herself freely to all people.

of the key themes:

Wisdom's Public Proclamation (vv. 1-11): Wisdom isn't hidden; she actively seeks an audience, calling out in public places. She speaks truth, rejecting dishonesty and wickedness. Her words offer valuable instruction and understanding, surpassing any material wealth.
Wisdom's Divine Origin and Attributes (vv. 12-21): Wisdom emphasizes her close relationship with God, existing before creation. She possesses understanding, prudence, knowledge, discretion, and strength. She hates pride, arrogance, evil, and perverse speech. She guides rulers and bestows riches and honor.
Wisdom's Role in Creation (vv. 22-31): Wisdom reveals her presence at creation, highlighting her intimate involvement with God. She was God's delight, rejoicing in his presence and finding joy in the world he made.
Wisdom's Invitation and Warning (vv. 32-36): Wisdom extends a heartfelt invitation to embrace her teachings, promising life and God's favor to those who listen. Conversely, she warns that rejecting her leads to self-destruction and death.

Overall Message:

Proverbs 8 emphasizes the supreme value and accessibility of wisdom. It portrays wisdom not as an abstract concept but as a vibrant force actively seeking to guide humanity towards a life of righteousness, purpose, and blessing. The chapter urges us to listen to wisdom's call, embrace her teachings, and experience the abundant life she offers.

Proverbs 8 bible study ai commentary

Proverbs chapter 8 is a masterful poem personifying Wisdom as a noble woman. She makes a universal, public appeal, contrasting her straightforward, life-giving truth with the secretive seductions of Folly. She declares her supreme value, her role in righteous governance, and, in a theological climax, her pre-eternal existence with God and her participation in the creation of the world, finding her ultimate joy in humanity. This chapter serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of God's wisdom and is explicitly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Proverbs 8 Context

The book of Proverbs is part of the "Wisdom Literature" of the Ancient Near East (ANE). Personifying abstract concepts like wisdom or justice was common (e.g., the Egyptian goddess Ma'at representing order and truth). However, Proverbs 8 presents a powerful polemic. Unlike ANE deities born from chaos or conflict, Lady Wisdom (Chokmah) is intimately and joyfully with the one sovereign God (YHWH) from before creation. The entire section of Proverbs 1-9 sets up a clear choice for the "son" (the reader) between two ways, personified by two women: Lady Wisdom (ch. 8) and Dame Folly (ch. 7, 9). This context is not about goddess worship but about presenting the choice between God's divine order and the path of foolishness in the most compelling, personal terms imaginable.

Proverbs 8:1-3

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:

In-depth-analysis

This is a rhetorical question demanding a "Yes!" answer. God's wisdom is not a secret Gnostic teaching for a select few.
She is positioned in the most public and high-traffic areas: "heights" (for visibility), "crossroads" (where decisions are made), and "gates" (centers of commerce, justice, and social life).
This public proclamation directly contrasts with the adulterous woman (Folly) in chapter 7, who operates in secret and in the dark. Wisdom's call is open, honest, and available to all.

Bible references

John 7:37: "On the last day of the feast... Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.'" (A public call to all).
Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (A universal invitation).
Isaiah 55:1: "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!" (An open, gracious invitation).

Cross references

Jer 6:16 (stand at the crossroads); John 18:20 (Jesus speaking openly); Acts 17:17 (Paul reasoning in the marketplace).

Proverbs 8:4-5

“To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.”

In-depth-analysis

Universal Scope: The call is explicitly to all humanity ("men," "children of man"). There are no exceptions.
Target Audience: She specifically addresses the "simple" (peta'im - naive, easily led astray) and "fools" (kesilim - dull, morally dense). This shows her call is remedial; she seeks to transform the unwise into the wise.
The Goal: The goal is to learn "prudence" (ormah - shrewdness, practical skill) and "sense" (literally "heart," the seat of understanding and moral will).

Bible references

Psalm 19:7: "The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." (God's word transforms the naive).
1 Corinthians 1:27: "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise..." (God's call often targets those the world deems foolish).
Matthew 9:13: "...For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Christ's mission was to the spiritually needy).

Cross references

Prov 1:22 (call to the simple); Ps 119:130 (entrance of your words gives light); Rom 16:19 (wise as to what is good, innocent as to evil).

Proverbs 8:6-9

Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.

In-depth-analysis

Content of Wisdom's Speech: It is "noble," "right," "truth." This establishes the moral and objective quality of her teaching.
Moral Opposition: Wisdom defines itself by what it is not: wickedness, twistedness, crookedness. This echoes the biblical theme of God's holiness and absolute separation from evil.
Condition of Understanding: The clarity of her words ("straight," "right") is apparent to those who understand and seek knowledge. It implies that a receptive heart is necessary to grasp her message. It's plain, but not to the willfully blind.

Bible references

John 8:32: "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Truth's liberating power).
John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life..." (Christ as the embodiment of truth).
Deuteronomy 32:4: "...a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he." (Wisdom's words reflect God's own character).

Cross references

Ps 12:6 (words of the Lord are pure); John 8:45-47 (he who is of God hears God's words); Titus 1:2 (God who never lies).

Proverbs 8:10-11

Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

In-depth-analysis

A clear statement of value. Spiritual and moral wisdom is presented as infinitely more valuable than material wealth (silver, gold, jewels).
This is a direct challenge to a materialistic worldview. True, lasting value is found not in possessions but in understanding and right living.

Bible references

Matthew 13:45-46: "the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (The supreme value of the Kingdom).
Job 28:15-19: "It cannot be bought for gold... the price of wisdom is above pearls." (A parallel passage describing the incomparable worth of wisdom).
Philippians 3:8: "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Paul's personal testimony to Christ's supreme value).

Cross references

Prov 3:14-15 (more profitable than silver); Ps 119:72 (law of your mouth is better than gold); Mt 6:19-20 (store up treasures in heaven).

Proverbs 8:12-16

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. By me kings reign and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.

In-depth-analysis

Attributes of Wisdom: Wisdom is inseparable from prudence (ormah), discretion, counsel, and strength. She isn't just abstract knowledge but practical, powerful skill.
The Fear of the LORD: This is defined practically: hating evil in all its forms (pride, arrogance, etc.). This grounds Wisdom in a right relationship with God.
Role in Governance: Wisdom is the foundation of just rule. All legitimate authority and just decrees flow from her. This presents a divine standard for all human leadership.

Bible references

Daniel 2:20-21: "he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; ...and he removes kings and sets up kings." (God is the source of wisdom and authority).
Romans 13:1: "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Divine basis of government).
James 3:17: "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason..." (The character of divine wisdom).

Cross references

Prov 1:7 (fear of the Lord); Isa 11:2 (Spirit of wisdom on the Messiah); 1 Kgs 3:28 (wisdom of God in Solomon).

Proverbs 8:17-21

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honor are with me, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

In-depth-analysis

Reciprocal Relationship: Wisdom is not passive; she actively loves those who love her. The principle of seeking and finding is central.
"Durable Riches": This contrasts with the fleeting nature of worldly wealth. Wisdom's reward is lasting ("durable") and morally pure ("righteousness").
Inheritance: The ultimate reward is a secure "inheritance," a term laden with covenantal significance in the Old Testament (e.g., the promised land). Wisdom provides an eternal security and provision.

Bible references

Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (The promise to those who diligently seek God).
Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Priority and promise).
1 Peter 1:4: "...to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you..." (The Christian's eternal inheritance).

Cross references

Deut 4:29 (seek and find); John 14:21 (he who loves me will be loved by my Father); 1 John 4:19 (we love because he first loved us).

Proverbs 8:22-26

“The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth,

In-depth-analysis

Word: The verb "possessed" is the Hebrew qanah. It is a crucial and debated word meaning to acquire, possess, create, or beget. This ambiguity fueled early church controversies. "Brought forth" (chul) has the connotation of writhing in labor, a powerful metaphor for being born.
Pre-existence: The verses emphatically stress Wisdom's existence before any aspect of creation (depths, springs, mountains). The repetition makes this point undeniable.
"Set up" (nasak): This word is also used for anointing a king. It suggests she was installed in her honored position from eternity.

Polemics

This section was central to the 4th-century Arian controversy.

Arian View: Arius used v. 22 (qanah interpreted as "created") to argue that the Son (Jesus), as Wisdom, was God's first and highest creation, not co-eternal with the Father.
Athanasian/Nicene View: Athanasius and his allies argued that the context points to begetting, not creating. They emphasized passages like "I was brought forth" (chul), suggesting a unique eternal generation. They argued Christ is homoousios (of the same substance) with the Father, eternally begotten, not made. The New Testament writers resolve this by identifying Jesus with the eternal Logos who "was God" and "was with God" (John 1:1).

Bible references

John 1:1-2: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." (The clearest parallel, establishing Christ's pre-existence and deity).
Colossians 1:15: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." ("Firstborn" (prototokos) signifying supremacy and pre-eminence, not first created).
Micah 5:2: "...whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (A messianic prophecy pointing to eternal origins).

Cross references

Gen 1:1 (in the beginning); John 17:5 (glory I had with you before the world existed); Job 38:4-6 (Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?).

Proverbs 8:27-31

When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.

In-depth-analysis

Witness to Creation: Wisdom was not passive but present ("I was there") at every stage of creation, from the heavens to the sea boundaries. This shows an intimate involvement in God's creative work.
Word: "Master workman" (amon) is another key debated word. It can mean artisan/craftsman, but also "nursling," "ward," or "darling child." The context of "delight" (sha'ashu'im - a word often used for playfulness/delight) and "rejoicing" strongly supports the "nursling/darling child" interpretation. Wisdom isn't a second creator but God's beloved companion, joyfully delighting in His work.
Climax of Delight: Wisdom's ultimate delight is not in the cosmic structures but in humanity ("delighting in the children of man"). This places humanity at the center of God's joyful purpose in creation.

Polemics

The interpretation of amon as a "darling child" or "nursling," supported by many modern scholars and Hebraists, provides a profound image. It depicts the relationship between the Father and the pre-incarnate Son not as two architects at a drafting table, but as a Father creating with his beloved child joyfully playing and delighting beside Him. This emphasizes relationship and love over mere function.

Bible references

John 1:3: "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." (Christ's agency in creation).
Colossians 1:16-17: "For by him all things were created... all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Christ's comprehensive role in creating and sustaining).
Hebrews 1:2: "...but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world." (The Son as the agent of creation).
Genesis 1:26: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image...'" (The "us" in Genesis finds a rich echo in the companionate Wisdom of Proverbs 8).

Cross references

Job 38:8-11 (setting a boundary for the sea); Ps 104:5-9 (God's ordering of creation); Heb 1:10 (You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth).

Proverbs 8:32-36

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

In-depth-analysis

The Final Summons: The speech shifts from self-revelation to a direct, concluding appeal. "And now..." calls for a response to everything that has been said.
The Choice of Life or Death: The consequences are stark and absolute. Finding wisdom means finding "life" and God's "favor." Rejecting (hating) wisdom is equivalent to self-harm ("injures himself") and a love for "death."
Posture of the Seeker: The blessed individual is characterized by diligent, daily attentiveness ("watching daily," "waiting beside my doors"). This is not a one-time decision but a continual posture of eagerness to learn.

Bible references

Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "...I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life... loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice..." (The ultimate choice presented to Israel).
John 3:36: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life..." (The same binary choice presented in Christ).
John 14:6: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Finding Jesus is finding the exclusive path to life).

Cross references

Prov 4:13 (keep hold of instruction); John 5:24 (hears my word... has eternal life); John 10:9 (I am the door); Rom 6:23 (the wages of sin is death).

Proverbs chapter 8 analysis

Christological Fulfilment: While a personification of a divine attribute in its original context, the New Testament authors, under divine inspiration, identified this personified Wisdom with Jesus Christ. Passages like John 1:1-14, Colossians 1:15-17, and Hebrews 1:1-3 take the concepts from Proverbs 8 (pre-existence, role in creation, being the very Word/Wisdom of God) and apply them directly and explicitly to Jesus. The literary personification in Proverbs becomes the literal incarnation in the Gospels.
Wisdom vs. Chaos: In many ANE creation myths, the world is formed out of a struggle against a chaotic, watery deity (e.g., Marduk vs. Tiamat). Proverbs 8 presents a radically different worldview. There is no struggle. God, accompanied by his joyful Wisdom, effortlessly and masterfully sets the boundaries for the deep. Creation is an act of order, purpose, and delight, not conflict.
The Feminine Personification: The presentation of Wisdom as a woman (Chokmah is a feminine noun in Hebrew) provides a rich, complementary image to the predominantly masculine language for God (Father, King, Lord). It offers a balancing metaphor within the scriptural canon, emphasizing relationality, nurture, and accessibility in the divine character without contradicting God's transcendent nature.

Proverbs 8 summary

Proverbs 8 is Wisdom's public sermon. She declares her supreme value over all earthly treasures, her foundation for all just society, and her identity as God's eternal companion who was present and active in the creation of the universe. Her call culminates in a simple, profound choice: to seek her is to find life and favor with God, while to reject her is to choose self-destruction and death. For Christians, this figure is seen as a clear pre-incarnate portrait of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word and Wisdom of God.

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Proverbs chapter 8 kjv

¹ Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
² She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
³ She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
⁵ O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
⁶ Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
⁷ For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
²⁸ When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
²⁹ When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
³⁰ Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
³¹ Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
³² Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
³⁶ But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Proverbs chapter 8 nkjv

¹ Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?
² She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet.
³ She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors:
⁴ "To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.
⁵ O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart.
⁶ Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things;
⁷ For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.
⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.
¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;
¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.
¹² "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion.
¹³ The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
¹⁵ By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.
¹⁷ I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.
¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.
¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.
²⁰ I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,
²¹ That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.
²² "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.
²³ I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.
²⁴ When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.
²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth;
²⁶ While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world.
²⁷ When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,
²⁸ When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
²⁹ When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth,
³⁰ Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,
³¹ Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.
³² "Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways.
³³ Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it.
³⁴ Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.
³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD;
³⁶ But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death."

Proverbs chapter 8 niv

¹ Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
² At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
³ beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:
⁴ "To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.
⁵ You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
⁶ Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.
⁷ My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.
⁹ To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
¹⁰ Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹ for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
¹² "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
¹³ To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
¹⁴ Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.
¹⁵ By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;
¹⁶ by me princes govern, and nobles?all who rule on earth.
¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
¹⁸ With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
²¹ bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
²² "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
²³ I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
²⁴ When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water;
²⁵ before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,
²⁶ before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth.
²⁷ I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
²⁸ when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
²⁹ when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
³⁰ Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,
³¹ rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
³² "Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.
³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.
³⁴ Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
³⁵ For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.
³⁶ But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death."

Proverbs chapter 8 esv

¹ Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
² On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
³ beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
⁴ "To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.
⁵ O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.
⁶ Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
⁷ for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
⁹ They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
¹⁰ Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹ for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
¹² "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
¹³ The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
¹⁴ I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.
¹⁵ By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
¹⁶ by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.
²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,
²¹ granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.
²² "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old.
²³ Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
²⁴ When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
²⁵ Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth,
²⁶ before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world.
²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
²⁸ when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep,
²⁹ when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
³⁰ then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always,
³¹ rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.
³² "And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways.
³³ Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.
³⁴ Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.
³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD,
³⁶ but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death."

Proverbs chapter 8 nlt

¹ Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Hear as understanding raises her voice!
² On the hilltop along the road,
she takes her stand at the crossroads.
³ By the gates at the entrance to the town,
on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
⁴ "I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
⁵ You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
⁶ Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
⁷ for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
⁸ My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
⁹ My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
¹⁰ Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
¹¹ For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
¹² "I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
¹³ All who fear the LORD will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
¹⁴ Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
¹⁵ Because of me, kings reign,
and rulers make just decrees.
¹⁶ Rulers lead with my help,
and nobles make righteous judgments.
¹⁷ "I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.
¹⁸ I have riches and honor,
as well as enduring wealth and justice.
¹⁹ My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!
²⁰ I walk in righteousness,
in paths of justice.
²¹ Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.
²² "The LORD formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.
²³ I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.
²⁴ I was born before the oceans were created,
before the springs bubbled forth their waters.
²⁵ Before the mountains were formed,
before the hills, I was born ?
²⁶ before he had made the earth and fields
and the first handfuls of soil.
²⁷ I was there when he established the heavens,
when he drew the horizon on the oceans.
²⁸ I was there when he set the clouds above,
when he established springs deep in the earth.
²⁹ I was there when he set the limits of the seas,
so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.
And when he marked off the earth's foundations,
³⁰ I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight,
rejoicing always in his presence.
³¹ And how happy I was with the world he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!
³² "And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don't ignore it.
³⁴ Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the LORD.
³⁶ But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death."