Proverbs 8:23–36

²³From everlasting I was established,

from the beginning, before the earth began.

²⁴When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth,

when no springs were overflowing with water.

²⁵Before the mountains were settled,

before the hills, I was brought forth,

²⁶before He made the land or fields,

or any of the dust of the earth.

²⁷I was there when He established the heavens,

when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,

²⁸when He established the clouds above,

when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,

²⁹when He set a boundary for the sea,

so that the waters would not surpass His command,

when He marked out the foundations of the earth.

³⁰Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side,

and His delight^d day by day,

rejoicing always in His presence.

³¹I was rejoicing in His whole world,

delighting together in the sons of men.

³²Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,

for blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³Listen to instruction and be wise;

do not ignore it.

³⁴Blessed is the man who listens to me,

watching daily at my doors,

waiting at the posts of my doorway.

³⁵For whoever finds me finds life

and obtains the favor of the LORD.

³⁶But he who fails to find me harms himself;

all who hate me love death.”