Selections from

Listen as Wisdom calls out!
    Hear as understanding raises her voice!

She’s taken her stand at First and Main,
    at the busiest intersection.
Right in the city square
    where the traffic is thickest, she shouts,
“You—I’m talking to all of you,
    everyone out here on the streets!

I cry out to you, people;
    my voice goes out to all of humanity.

Don’t miss a word of this—I’m telling you how to live well,
    I’m telling you how to live at your best.

My advice is wholesome.
    There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
    clear to those with knowledge.
 Choose my instruction rather than silver,
    and knowledge rather than pure gold.
 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
    Nothing you desire can compare with it.

“And so, my children, listen to me,
    for all who follow my ways are joyful.
  Listen to my instruction and be wise.
    Don’t ignore it.
  Joyful are those who listen to me,
    watching for me daily at my gates,
    waiting for me outside my home!
  For whoever finds me finds life
    and receives favor from the Lord.
  But those who miss me only injure themselves.