Proverbs 8:15-36 ▼

15 Kings reign by me, and rulers dispense justice through me.

16 By me leaders rule, as do noble officials and all who govern justly.

17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me.

18 Wealth and honor accompany me, as do enduring wealth and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, better than even refined gold, and my benefit surpasses the purest silver.

20 I walk on the way of righteousness, along paths that are just,

21 I bequeath wealth to those who love me, and I will fill their treasuries.|

22 |The LORD made me as he began his planning, before his ancient activity commenced.

23 From eternity I was appointed, from the beginning, from before there was land.

24 When there were no ocean depths, I brought them to birth at a time when there were no springs.

25 Before the mountains were shaped, before there were hills, I was bringing them to birth.

26 Even though he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the world's first grains of dust,

27 when he crafted the heavens, I was there— when he marked out a circle on the face of the deep,

28 when he made the clouds from above, when the springs of the depths were established,

29 when he set a boundary for the sea so the waters would not exceed his limits, when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

30 Then I was with him, his master craftsman— I was his delight daily, continuously rejoicing in his presence,

31 rejoicing in his inhabitable world and taking delight in mankind.|

32 |So listen to me, children! Blessed are those who obey me.

33 Listen to instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it.

34 Blessed is the person who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorways—

35 because those who find me find life and gain favor from the LORD.

36 But whoever sins against me destroys himself; everyone who hates me loves death.|