Proverbs 8:24-36

²⁴I was born when there were no ocean depths, when there were no springs pouring out water.

²⁵I was born before the mountains or the hills had been formed,

²⁶when he hadn't made the earth and its fields or any of the earth's dust.

²⁷I was there when he placed the heavens in position, when he drew the horizon over the ocean,

²⁸when he made the clouds in the sky above, when he created the springs of the oceans,

²⁹when he set limits on the sea so that the waters would not go farther than he ordered, and when he laid out the foundations of the earth.

³⁰Then I was beside him as a master craftsman. I made him happy every day, and I was always full of joy in his presence.

³¹I was so happy in the world he created, celebrating together with human beings.

³²And now, my sons, listen to me, for happy are those who follow my ways.

³³Listen to my instruction and be wise—do not reject it.

³⁴Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me every day at my doors, waiting at my entrance way.

³⁵For those who find me, find life, and are accepted by the Lord.

³⁶But those who don't find me hurt themselves; everyone who hates me loves death.”