Proverbs 8:22-36

22“The Lord created and possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old [were accomplished].

23From everlasting I was established and ordained, From the beginning, before the earth existed, [I, godly wisdom, existed].

24When there were no ocean depths I was born, When there were no fountains and springs overflowing with water.

25Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was born;

26While He had not yet made the earth and the fields, Or the first of the dust of the earth.

27When He established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there; When He drew a circle upon the face of the deep,

28When He made firm the skies above, When the fountains and springs of the deep became fixed and strong,

29When He set for the sea its boundary So that the waters would not transgress [the boundaries set by] His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth—

30Then I was beside Him, as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight; Rejoicing before Him always,

31Rejoicing in the world, His inhabited earth, And having my delight in the sons of men.

32“Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] are they who keep my ways.

33Heed (pay attention to) instruction and be wise, And do not ignore or neglect it.

34Blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts.

35For whoever finds me (Wisdom) finds life And obtains favor and grace from the Lord.

36But he who fails to find me or sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love and court death.”