Proverbs 8:22-36

22The Lord created me as the first thing that he did. That was the first of his acts long ago.

23He chose me as his servant from the beginning of time. That was before the world began.

24I was born before the deep seas were there. There were not yet springs that poured out water.

25I was born before the mountains or the hills appeared in their places.

26I was born before the Lord made the earth and its fields, before there was soil on the earth.

27I was there when he put the heavens in their place. I was there when he made the border of the sea where it meets the sky.

28I was there when he put the clouds in the sky. I was there when he made streams of water fill the seas.

29He gave his command to the seas, that they should obey him. The waters of the sea must stay inside its borders. I was there when he built the foundations of the earth.

30When the Lord made all that happen, I was beside him as his faithful helper. I pleased him every day, and I was happy to be with him.

31The world that he had made gave me great joy. The people who lived on it made me happy.

32So listen to me, my children. Anyone who obeys my teaching will be happy.

33Listen when I tell you what is right for you to do. Then you will be wise. Do not forget what I tell you.

34Anyone who listens to me is in a happy place. You can wait outside my home each day, and I will teach you.

35Anyone who finds me, wisdom, finds true life. The Lord will bless that person.

36But anyone who does not find me brings trouble on himself. Everybody who hates me loves death.’