HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 935
PR OVER B S 9
page 565
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Listen to me! For I have important things
to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
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.
“I, Wisdom, live together with good
judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge
and discernment.
All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
Because of me, kings reign,
and rulers make just decrees.
Rulers lead with my help,
and nobles make righteous judgments.*
“I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.
I have riches and honor,
as well as enduring wealth and
justice.
My gifts are better than gold,
even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!
I walk in righteousness,
in paths of justice.
Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.
“The Lord formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.
I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.
I was born before the oceans were created,
before the springs bubbled forth their
waters.
Before the mountains were formed,
before the hills, I was born—
before he had made the earth and fields
and the first handfuls of soil.
I was there when he established the
heavens,
when he drew the horizon on the
oceans.
I was there when he set the clouds above,
when he established springs deep in
the earth.
8:16 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Greek version read and
nobles are judges over the earth. 8:32 Hebrew my sons.
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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,
I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight,
rejoicing always in his presence.
And how happy I was with the world
he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!
“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 injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.”
— promises —
from God
Fear of the Lord is the
foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One
results in good judgment.
P R OV E R B S 9:1 0
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Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved its seven columns.
She has prepared a great banquet,
mixed the wines, and set the table.
She has sent her servants to invite everyone
to come.
She calls out from the heights
overlooking the city.
“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
“Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways behind, and
begin to live;
learn to use good judgment.”
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Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get
an insult in return.
Anyone who corrects the wicked will
get hurt.
So don’t bother correcting mockers;
they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
and they will love you.