Proverbs 8:23-36

²³In ages long ago I was made—from the first, from the beginnings of the earth.

²⁴Before there were oceans, I was given birth— before there were springs abounding with water.

²⁵Before the mountains were settled and before the hills, I was born.

²⁶I was born before Yahweh had made the earth or the fields, or even the first dust in the world.

²⁷I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew a circle on the surface of the deep.

²⁸I was there when he established the clouds above and when the springs in the deep became fixed.

²⁹I was there when he made his limit for the sea, so the waters should not spread beyond his command, and when there was set the limit for the foundations of the dry land.

³⁰I was beside him, as a skilled craftsman; I was his delight day after day, always rejoicing before him.

³¹I was rejoicing in his whole world, and my delight was in the sons of mankind.

³²Now, my sons, listen to me, for those who keep my ways will be blessed.

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

³⁴The one who listens to me will be blessed. He will be watching every day at my doors, waiting beside the posts of my doors.

³⁵For whoever finds me, finds life, and he will find the favor of Yahweh.

³⁶But he who fails, harms his own life; all who hate me love death.”