[22] “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; [23] I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. [24] When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; [25] before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, [26] before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. [27] I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, [28] when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, [29] when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. [30] Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, [31] rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. [32] “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. [33] Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. [34] Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. [35] For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. [36] But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”
