The Blessings of Wisdom

Proverbs 8

1 Does not l wisdom call?
Does not m understanding raise her voice?
 2 On n the heights beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
 3 beside o the gates in front of p the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
 4 "To you, O q men, I call,
and my cry is to q the children of man.
 5 O r simple ones, learn s prudence;
O t fools, learn sense.
 6 Hear, for I will speak u noble things,
and from my lips will come v what is right,
 7 for my w mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
 8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing x twisted or crooked in them.
 9 They are all y straight to him who understands,
and right to those who find knowledge.
 10 z Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
 11 a for wisdom is better than jewels,
and b all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

12 "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and c discretion.
 13 d The fear of the Lord is e hatred of evil.
f Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and g perverted speech I hate.
 14 I have h counsel and i sound wisdom;
I have insight; j I have strength.
 15 By me k kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
 16 by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly. 1
17 l I love those who love me,
and m those who seek me diligently find me.
 18 n Riches and honor are with me,
o enduring wealth and o righteousness.
 19 My fruit is p better than q gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than r 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 s "The Lord t possessed 2 me at the beginning of his work, 3
the first of his acts u of old.
 23 Ages ago I was v set up,
at the first, w before the beginning of the earth.
 24 When there were no x depths I was y brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
 25 Before the mountains z had been shaped,
a 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 b established the heavens, I was there;
when he drew c a circle on the face of the deep,
 28 when he d made firm the skies above,
when he established 4 the fountains of the deep,
 29 when he e assigned to the sea its f limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out g the foundations of the earth,
 30 then h I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his 5 i delight,
rejoicing before him always,
 31 j rejoicing in his k inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.

32 "And now, l O sons, listen to me:
m blessed are those who keep my ways.
 33 n Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
 34 o Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
 35 For p whoever finds me q finds life
and r obtains favor from the Lord,
 36 but he who fails to find me s injures himself;
all who t hate me u love death."

  1. Cross References
    Proverbs 1:20
    Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice.
  2. Cross References
    Job 28:12
    But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?
  3. Cross References
    Proverbs 9:3
    She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town.
    Proverbs 9:14
    She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town.
  4. Cross References
    Proverbs 1:21
    At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
  5. Cross References
    Job 29:7
    When I went out to the gate of the city, when I prepared my seat in the square.
  6. Cross References
    Psalms 49:1 - 2
    Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world.
  7. Cross References
    Psalms 49:1 - 2
    Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world.
  8. Cross References
    Proverbs 1:4
    To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth -
  9. Cross References
    Proverbs 8:12
    I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
  10. Cross References
    Proverbs 1:22
    How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
  11. Cross References
    Proverbs 22:20
    Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge.
  12. Cross References
    Proverbs 23:16
    My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.
  13. Cross References
    Psalms 37:30
    The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
  14. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:5
    They have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation.
  15. Cross References
    Proverbs 14:6
    A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
    1 Corinthians 2:10
    These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
  16. Cross References
    Proverbs 8:19
    My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.
    Proverbs 3:14
    For the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.
    Psalms 119:72
    The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
    Psalms 119:127
    Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.
  17. Cross References
    Proverbs 16:16
    How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
    Job 28:12 - 19
    But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?
  18. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:15
    She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
  19. Cross References
    Proverbs 1:4
    To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth -
  20. Cross References
    Proverbs 16:6
    By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.
  21. Cross References
    Psalms 97:10
    O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
  22. Cross References
    Proverbs 6:17
    Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.
    Proverbs 16:5
    Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord ; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
  23. Cross References
    Proverbs 2:12
    Delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech.
    Proverbs 4:24
    Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.
  24. Cross References
    Isaiah 11:2
    And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
    Isaiah 9:6
    For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
  25. Cross References
    Proverbs 2:7
    He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
  26. Cross References
    Ecclesiastes 7:19
    Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
    Psalms 89:19
    Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: "I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
  27. Cross References
    Daniel 2:21
    He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
    Romans 13:1
    Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
    Revelation 19:16
    On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
  28. Cross References
    Psalms 91:14
    Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.
    John 14:21
    Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
    1 Samuel 2:30
    Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,' but now the Lord declares: 'Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
  29. Cross References
    James 1:5
    If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
    Proverbs 1:28
    Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
  30. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:16
    Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
  31. Cross References
    Psalms 112:3
    Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
    Matthew 6:33
    But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
    Luke 16:11
    If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
    Ephesians 3:8
    To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
  32. Cross References
    Psalms 112:3
    Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
    Matthew 6:33
    But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
    Luke 16:11
    If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
    Ephesians 3:8
    To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
  33. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:14
    For the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.
  34. Cross References
    Proverbs 8:10
    Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.
  35. Cross References
    Proverbs 10:20
    The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
  36. Cross References
    Job 28:25 - 28
    When he gave to the wind its weight and apportioned the waters by measure.
  37. Cross References
    Genesis 14:19
    And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.
    Genesis 14:22
    But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.
    Psalms 104:24
    O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
    Psalms 136:5
    To him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever.
  38. Cross References
    Psalms 93:2
    Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
  39. Cross References
    Psalms 2:6
    "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."
  40. Cross References
    John 17:5
    And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
  41. Cross References
    Proverbs 8:27 - 28
    When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep.
    Proverbs 3:20
    By his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
    Genesis 1:2
    The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
  42. Cross References
    Job 15:7
    Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills?
    Psalms 51:5
    Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
  43. Cross References
    Job 38:6
    On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone.
  44. Cross References
    Psalms 90:2
    Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
  45. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:19
    The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens.
  46. Cross References
    Job 26:10
    He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.
  47. Cross References
    Genesis 1:6
    And God said, "Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.
  48. Cross References
    Genesis 1:9 - 10
    And God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so.
  49. Cross References
    Job 26:10
    He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.
  50. Cross References
    Psalms 104:5
    He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved.
  51. Cross References
    Zechariah 13:7
    Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me," declares the Lord of hosts. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.
    John 1:1 - 2
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  52. Cross References
    Psalms 16:3
    As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
    Matthew 3:17
    And behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
  53. Cross References
    Genesis 1:31
    And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
    Psalms 104:31
    May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works.
  54. Cross References
    Isaiah 45:18
    For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): "I am the Lord, and there is no other.
  55. Cross References
    Proverbs 5:7
    And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
    Proverbs 7:24
    And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
    1 John 3:1
    See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
  56. Cross References
    Psalms 119:1 - 2
    Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!
    Psalms 128:1 - 2
    Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
    Luke 11:28
    But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!
  57. Cross References
    Proverbs 4:1
    Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight.
  58. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:13
    Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.
  59. Cross References
    Proverbs 3:18
    She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.
    Proverbs 4:22
    For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
  60. Cross References
    John 1:4
    In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
    John 17:3
    And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
  61. Cross References
    Proverbs 12:2
    A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.
    Proverbs 18:22
    He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
  62. Cross References
    Proverbs 15:32
    Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
    Proverbs 20:2
    The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
    Proverbs 29:24
    The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
  63. Cross References
    Proverbs 12:1
    Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
  64. Cross References
    Proverbs 21:6
    The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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