Proverbs 8:22–36

²²Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. ²³I was set up from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth was. ²⁴When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. ²⁵Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth; ²⁶while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world. ²⁷When he prepared the heavens I was there; when he ordained the circle upon the face of the deep; ²⁸when he established the skies above, when the fountains of the deep became strong; ²⁹when he imposed on the sea his decree that the waters should not pass his commandment, when he appointed the foundations of the earth: ³⁰then I was by him his nursling, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; ³¹rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and my delights were with the sons of men.

³²And now, sons, hearken unto me, and blessed are they that keep my ways: ³³hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not. ³⁴Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. ³⁵For whoso findeth me findeth life, and obtaineth favour of Jehovah; ³⁶but he that sinneth against me doeth violence to his own soul: all they that hate me love death.