Proverbs 8:17-36 ▼

17 I love those who love me; and those who seek me shall find me.

18 Riches and honor are mine; yea, enduring riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than fine gold, and my ingathering than choice silver.

20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,

21 That I may cause those that love me to have hope; and I will fill their treasuries.

22 The LORD created me as the first of his creations, before all of his works.

23 I was established from everlasting, from the beginning, before he made the earth.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills were formed was I conceived;

26 While as yet he had not made the earth nor the valleys nor the best soil of the world.

27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle upon the face of the deep;

28 When he made firm the clouds above; when he strengthened the fountains of the deep;

29 When he gave to the sea its bounds, that the waters should not transgress his commandment; when he laid down the foundations of the earth:

30 I together with him was establishing them; and daily I was his delight, rejoicing always before him,

31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

32 Now therefore hearken to me, O you children; for blessed is he who keeps my ways.

33 Hear instruction and be wise and do not go astray.

34 Blessed is the man who heeds me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my threshold.

35 For my objectives are the issues of life, they proclaim the will of the LORD.

36 Those who sin against me wrong their own soul; all those who hate me love death.