Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

8 Listen as Wisdom calls out!
 Hear as understanding raises her voice!
On the hilltop along the road,
 she takes her stand at the crossroads.
By the gates at the entrance to the town,
 on the road leading in, she cries aloud.
"I call you, to all of you!
  I raise my voice to all people
You simple people, use good judgement.
 You foolish people, show some 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.

The Benefits of wisdom

My child listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
Tune your ears to wisdom,
 and concentrate to understanding.
Cry out for insight,
 and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver,
 and seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you understand what it means to fear the lord,
 and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the Lord grants wisdom!
 Fro his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
 He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
He guards the path of the just
 and protect those who are faithful to him.

Wisdom Shouts in the Streets

Wisdom shouts in the streets.
 She cries out in the public square.
She call to the crowds along the main street,
 to those gathered in front of the city gate:
"How long you simpletons,
 will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
 How long will you fools hate knowledge?
Come and listen to my counsel.
I'll share my heart with you
 and make you wise.

"I called you so often, but you wouldn't come.

A Father's Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom

My child, listen when your father corrects you.
  Don't neglect your mother's instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace
  and be a chain of honor around your neck.

My child, if sinners entice you,
  turn your back on them!
They may say, "Come and join  us
  Let's hide and kill someone!
Just for fun, let's ambush the innocent!
  Let's swallow them alive, like the grave,
Let's swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.