22 “The Lord formed me from the beginning,

before he created anything else.

23 I was appointed in ages past,

at the very first, before the earth began.

24 I was born before the oceans were created,

before the springs bubbled forth their waters.

25 Before the mountains were formed,

before the hills, I was born—

26 before he had made the earth and fields

and the first handfuls of soil.

27 I was there when he established the heavens,

when he drew the horizon on the oceans.

28 I was there when he set the clouds above,

when he established springs deep in the earth.

29 I was there when he set the limits of the seas,

so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.

And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,

30 I was the architect at his side.

I was his constant delight,

rejoicing always in his presence.

31 And how happy I was with the world he created;

how I rejoiced with the human family!

32 “And so, my children,* listen to me,

for all who follow my ways are joyful.

33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.

Don’t ignore it.

34 Joyful are those who listen to me,

watching for me daily at my gates,

waiting for me outside my home!

35 For whoever finds me finds life

and receives favor from the Lord.

36 But those who miss me injure themselves.

All who hate me love death.”