I heard Wisdom’s call
as she stood inside the city walls,
and though no one stopped to listen,
her voice did not withdraw.

“The Lord fashioned me in the beginning,
before anything else was made,
I was born before the oceans swelled
and the mountains cast their shade.”

“I was there when He set the heavens
and placed the clouds on high.
I was there when He marked the limits of the seas
and drew the horizon below the sky.”

“My gifts are better than the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling;
those who love me inherit great wealth,
their treasuries filled to bursting.”

“Whoever finds me finds life,
from the Lord they receive His blessing,
but those who miss me hurt themselves,
and who hates me seeks death’s sting.”

                                —

The din of the crowd grew louder,
but her voice did not give way,
she leaped to the height of the tallest wall
and again Wisdom’s voice did pray.

“Love me and I will guard you,
hold onto me and a long life you will have.
I will teach you all of my ways,
and lead you on the straightest paths.

“Prize my words and I will make you great.
I will praise you as you embrace me.
Take hold and guard my instructions;
to your life they are the key.”

“Pay attention to what I say;
Listen carefully to my words.
Plant them deep into your heart;
do not leave them as seeds for hungry birds.”

“Above all things, you must guard your heart,
be steadfast in all of your ways.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet,
and in the light of righteousness, you will stay.”

—

With nightfall, the throng died down till none were left,
and silence reigned in dimming twilight.
Then Wisdom climbed down from the wall,
and with a simple prayer, disappeared into the night.

“May those who do not know You, Lord,
hear your voice and be chastened.
Lest the silence fall forever here,
and the fall of man is hastened.”

“Lift up the hearts of those who fear,
and stoke the fires of their soul.
Ignite their zealous hearts, set them free,
once more alive, free and whole.”

“Let those whose pride has hindered them,
see the truth as their sin withers in the sun.
Grant to them a willing spirit, oh Lord,
sustained in the joy of Your salvation.”

“And by your will, allow Wisdom to her rest,
weary, burdened and subdued.
Until the rosy hue of tomorrow’s dawn,
when Wisdom’s call and God’s mercy are renewed.”

“In thy great name and humbling mercy,
may Your perfect will be done. Amen.”