15. By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16. by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.
17. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
18. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
19. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
21. bestowing 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, 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,