1
Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?
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She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet.
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She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors:
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"To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.
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O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart.
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Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things;
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For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
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All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.
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They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.
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Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;
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For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.
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"I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion.
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The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
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Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
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By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
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By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.