15. It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;
16. by me, princes lead,as do nobles and all righteous judges.
17. I love those who love me, and those who search for me find me.
18. With me are riches and honor, lasting wealth and righteousness.
19. My fruit is better than solid gold,and my harvest than pure silver.
20. I walk in the way of righteousness,along the paths of justice,
21. giving wealth as an inheritance to those who love me,and filling their treasuries.
22. “The Lord made meat the beginning of His creation, before His works of long ago.
23. I was formed before ancient times,from the beginning, before the earth began.
24. I was bornwhen there were no watery depths and no springs filled with water.
25. I was deliveredbefore the mountains and hills were established,