Proverbs 1-9 personifies “Wisdom” as a woman who was with God during the Creation. Some believe that this was actually Asherah, but the Deuteronomists modified the texts to downplay Her role.
I decided to create a retelling of Proverbs 8 which puts Asherah back into the narrative:
Proverbs 8
1 Does Asherah not call out? Does She not raise Her voice? 2 She has taken Her stand at the top of the high hill along the way, at the intersection of the paths! 3 Beside the gates opening into the city, at the entrance of the doorways, She cries out:
4 “To you, O people, I call out, and My voice calls to all of humanity. 5 You who are naive and foolish, learn about and understand Me! 6 Listen, for I will speak excellent things, and My lips will utter what is right. 7 For My mouth speaks truth, and My lips hate wickedness. 8 All the words of My mouth are righteous; there is nothing in them which is twisted or crooked. 9 All My words are clear to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive My instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than gold. 11 My teachings are more precious than rubies, and every desirable thing cannot be compared to Me.
12 I, Asherah, have dwell with prudence, and possess knowledge and discretion. 13 To be Me is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride and the evil way and perverse utterances. 14 Counsel and sound wisdom belong to Me; I am Asherah, and I have strength! 15 By Me, monarchs reign and enact laws. 16 By Me, judges decree justice. 17 I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me will find Me. 18 Riches – long-lasting wealth – and honor – righteousness – are with Me. 19 My fruit is better than the purest gold, and My harvest is better than the choicest silver. 20 I walk in the path of righteousness and justice. 21 I cause those who love Me to inherit wealth; I fill their treasuries to the brim!
22 I was with El at the beginning of His works, even before His deeds of long ago. 23 He and I were fashioned from eternity, from the beginning, from before the world existed. 24 He brought Me here when no depths or springs were overflowing with water. 25 He brought Me here before the mountains and hills were set in their places. 26 He brought Me here before the earth, its fields, and its topsoil were made. 27 When We established the heavens, marked out the horizon over the face of the deep, 28 established the clouds above, secured the fountains of the deep, 29 gave the sea Our decree that the waters should not pass over Our command, and marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 I was beside Him, El, and I was His delight day by day, rejoicing with Him at all times, 31 We rejoiced over the creation of earth and are delighted by its people.
32 So now, children, listen to Me; happy and blessed are those who keep My ways. 33 Listen to My instructions, follow My example, and do not disregard these! 34 Happy and blessed is the one who hears Me, watching at My doors day by day, waiting beside My posts at the doorway of the Temple. 35 The one who finds Me has found life and receives El’s favor. 36 But the one who fails to find Me brings harm to themself; all who hate Me love death.”