Words of Wisdom, from the Scroll of Proverbs

The Words of Wisdom

I Wisdom dwell with Possibility, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he drafted the heavens, I was there: When he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: When he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he commanded the sea to prevent its waters from overspilling: When he secured the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; jubilating in the fertile part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

Now therefore hearken unto me, O you mortals: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

Whoever finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor of the Volcano. But he that ignores me wrongs his own soul: All they that hate me love death.

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Cutting-Room Floor

The above is from the 8th chapter of Proverbs; it is all that I will include from that scroll, in my version of the Holy Scriptures. The following sections are from the first three chapters; although I will leave them out of my Bible, I share them here only because I went to the trouble of writing them and cannot stand for my effort to be wasted.

§

Wisdom cries in the streets, and calls outside, saying: “How long will you simple ones love simplicity? and you scorners delight in your scorning, and fools hate knowledge? You all rejected my counsel: you all despised my reproof; therefore you shall eat the fruit of your own way, and be filled with your own devices. And the stubbornness of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.”

§

Yahweh by wisdom has founded the earth;

by understanding he established the heavens.

By knowledge the depths are broken up,

and the clouds drop down the dew.

§

Wisdom is crying!

Understanding puts forth her voice!

She stands on the heights, and calls into the city, saying:

Unto you, O men, I speak.

O you simpletons, understand wisdom.

Fools, listen:

Hear me, for I will tell you excellent things,

my lips shall tell you all the right things.

My mouth utters truth;

wickedness is an abomination to my tongue.

To receive my instruction and knowledge

is much better than inheriting silver and gold.

Wisdom is finer than rubies;

nothing that may be desired can be compared to it.

§

I hate evil: pride, and arrogance.

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom:

I am understanding; I have strength.