25. before the mountains were set in place – before the hills – I was born,
26. before he made the earth and its fields,or the beginning of the dust of the world.
27. When he established the heavens, I was there;when he marked out the horizon over the face of the deep,
28. when he established the clouds above,when the fountains of the deep grew strong,
29. when he gave the sea his decreethat the waters should not pass over his command,when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30. then I was beside him as a master craftsman,and I was his delight day by day,rejoicing before him at all times,
31. rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth,and delighting in its people.
32. “So now, children, listen to me;blessed are those who keep my ways.
33. Listen to my instruction so that you may be wise,and do not neglect it.
34. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching at my doors day by day,waiting beside my doorway.
35. For the one who finds me finds lifeand receives favor from the Lord.
36. But the one who does not find me brings harm to himself;all who hate me love death.”