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 fieldsor 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 aboveand fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
29. when he gave the sea its boundaryso that 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 worldand delighting in the human race.
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 lifeand receive favour from the Lord.
36. But those who fail to find me harm themselves;all who hate me love death.’