25. I was bornbefore the mountains were settled in their placesand before the hills,
26. when he had not yet made land or fieldsor the first dust of the world.
27. “When he set up the heavens, I was there.When he traced the horizon on the surface of the ocean,
28. when he established the skies above,when he determined the currents in the ocean,
29. when he set a limit for the seaso the waters would not overstep his command,when he traced the foundations of the earth,
30. I was beside him as a master craftsman.I made him happy day after day,I rejoiced in front of him all the time,
31. found joy in his inhabited world,and delighted in the human race.
32. “Now, sons, listen to me.Blessed are those who follow my ways.
33. Listen to discipline, and become wise.Do not leave my ways.
34. Blessed is the person who listens to me,watches at my door day after day,and waits by my doorposts.
35. Whoever finds me finds lifeand obtains favor from the Lord.
36. Whoever sins against me harms himself.All those who hate me love death.”