Doesn’t wisdom call out? Doesn’t understanding raise her voice? [verse] She stands on the heights, by the road, where the paths meet. She cries at the entrance to the gates of the city, To you, O men, I call; my voice is for the sons of mankind. O simple ones, learn prudence; and fools, get sense. Listen, for I will speak noble things, and my lips will say what is right. My mouth speaks truth; wickedness is hateful to my lips. Every word I say is righteous; there is nothing crooked in it. They are all clear to the one who understands, and straight to those who find knowledge. Take my instruction, not silver; knowledge is better than fine gold. Wisdom is better than jewels; NOTHING you want can compare to it. I, wisdom, live with prudence; I provide knowledge and discretion. To fear YAHWEH is to hate evil; I hate pride, arrogance, evil ways, and a lying mouth. Good advice and wisdom are mine; I am understanding, and with me is strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is right. By me leaders rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Wealth and honor are with me; lasting wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold; my yield than silver. I lead on the path of righteousness, in the middle of justice: to give wealth as an inheritance to those who love me, and fill their storehouses. YAHWEH made me at the start of His way, the first of His acts long ago. I was there from the BEGINNING before the earth. When there were no depths, I was formed; when there were no springs full of water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was formed: before He made the earth, its fields, or the first dust of the world. [big chorus] When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He drew the horizon on the face of the deep: when He made firm the clouds above; when He fixed the springs of the deep: when He set the sea’s limit, so the waters wouldn't cross His command; when He marked out the earth’s foundations: then I was beside Him, like a child with Him, and I was His delight day by day, always playing in His presence; playing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of mankind. So now, children, listen to me, for happy are those who keep my ways. Listen to instruction and grow wise; do not reject wisdom. Happy is the one who listens to me, waiting at my doors day by day, guarding the doorposts of my entryway. Whoever finds me finds life and receives the favor of YAHWEH.. But the one who misses me harms his own soul; all who hate me love death. [vocal belt in final chorus, high sustained note on "understanding", layered harmonies] Doesn’t wisdom call out? and understanding will raise her voice?
