Read the Bible

¹ With great understanding,
    Wisdom^[a] is calling out
²     as she stands at the crossroads
    and on every hill.
³ She stands by the city gate
    where everyone enters the city,
    and she shouts:
⁴ "I am calling out
    to each one of you!
⁵ Good sense and sound judgment
    can be yours.
⁶     Listen, because what I say
    is worthwhile and right.
⁷ I always speak the truth
    and refuse to tell a lie.
⁸ Every 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.
¹⁰ Let instruction and knowledge
mean more to you
    than silver
    or the finest gold.
¹¹ Wisdom is worth much more
than precious jewels
    or anything else you desire."

¹² I am Wisdom^[b]—Common Sense
    is my closest friend;
    I possess knowledge
    and sound judgment.
¹³ If you respect the Lord,
    you will hate evil.
    I hate pride and conceit
    and deceitful lies.
¹⁴ I am strong,
    and I offer
sensible advice
    and sound judgment.
¹⁵ By my power kings govern,
    and rulers make laws
    that are fair.
¹⁶ Every honest leader rules
    with help from me.

¹⁷ I love everyone who loves me,
    and I will be found by all
    who honestly search.
¹⁸ I can make you rich and famous,
    important and successful.
¹⁹ What you receive from me
    is more valuable
    than even the finest gold
    or the purest silver.
²⁰ I always do what is right,
²¹     and I give great riches
    to everyone who loves me.

²² From the beginning,
    I was with the Lord.^[c]
    I was there before he began
²³     to create the earth.
At the very first,
    the Lord gave life to^[d] me.
²⁴ When I was born,
    there were no oceans
    or springs of water.
²⁵ My birth was before
mountains were formed
    or hills were put in place.
²⁶ It happened long before God
    had made the earth
    or any of its fields
    or even the dust.

²⁷ I was there when the Lord
    put the heavens in place
    and stretched the sky
    over the surface of the sea.
²⁸ I was with him when he placed
    the clouds in the sky
    and created the springs
    that fill the ocean.
²⁹ I was there when he set
boundaries for the sea
    to make it obey him,
    and when he laid foundations
    to support the earth.

³⁰ I was right beside the Lord,
    helping him plan and build.^[e]
I made him happy each day,
    and I was happy at his side.
³¹     I was pleased with his world
    and pleased with its people.

³² Pay attention, my children!
    Follow my advice,
    and you will be happy.
³³ Listen carefully
to my instructions,
    and you will be wise.

³⁴ Come to my home each day
and listen to me.
    You will find happiness.
³⁵ By finding me, you find life,
    and the Lord will be pleased
    with you.
³⁶ But if you don't find me,
    you hurt only yourself,
    and if you hate me,
    you are in love with death.