22. “I, wisdom, was with God when he began his work.This was before he made anything else long ago.
23. I was appointed in the very beginning,even before the world began.
24. I began before there were oceans.There were no springs overflowing with water.
25. I began before the hills were there.The mountains had not even been put in place.
26. God still had not made the earth or fields.He had not even made the first dust of the earth.
27. I was there when God put the skies in place,when he stretched the horizon over the oceans.
28. I was there when he made the clouds above.I was there when he put the fountains in the oceans.
29. I was there when he ordered the seanot to go beyond the borders he had set for it.I was there when he laid the earth’s foundation.
30. I was like a child by his side.I was happy every dayand enjoyed being in his presence.
31. I enjoyed the whole world.And I was happy with all its people.
32. “Now, my children, listen to me.Those who follow my ways are happy.
33. Listen to my teaching, and you will be wise.Do not ignore it.
34. Those who listen to me are happy.They stand watching at my door every day.They are at my open doorway, wanting to be with me.
35. Whoever finds me finds life.And the Lord will be pleased with him.
36. Whoever does not find me hurts himself.Those who hate me love death.”