Proverbs 8:22-36 ▼

22 The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old.

23 From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.

24 When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,

26 before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth.

27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,

28 when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,

29 when 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.

30 Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.

31 I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.

32 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.

34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.

35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD.

36 But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”