Proverbs 8:21-36

21bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

22“The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, Or way; or dominion Or The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work; or The Lord brought me forth at the beginning of his work before his deeds of old;

23I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be.

24When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water;

25before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,

26before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth.

27I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,

28when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,

29when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

30Then I was constantly Or was the artisan; or was a little child at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,

31rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

32“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

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

34Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

35For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD . 36But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”