Proverbs 8:22-36

22The Lord created me as the beginning of his works, before his deeds of long ago.

23From eternity I was appointed, from the beginning, from before the world existed.

24When there were no deep oceans I was born, when there were no springs overflowing with water;

25before the mountains were set in place – before the hills – I was born,

26before he made the earth and its fields, or the beginning of the dust of the world.

27When he established the heavens, I was there; when he marked out the horizon over the face of the deep,

28when he established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep grew strong,

29when he gave the sea his decree that the waters should not pass over his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

30then I was beside him as a master craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, rejoicing before him at all times,

31rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and delighting in its people.

32“So now, children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

33Listen to my instruction so that you may be wise, and do not neglect it.

34Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching at my doors day by day, waiting beside my doorway.

35For the one who finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.

36But the one who does not find me brings harm to himself; all who hate me love death.”