24. I was born before there was an ocean, before the springs began to flow.
25. I was born before the mountains and hills were set into place,
26. before the earth and fields were made, before the dust of this world was formed.
27. I was there when he set up the skies, when he drew a circle in the ocean to make a place for the land.
28. I was there when he put the clouds in the sky and made the deep springs flow.
29. I was there when he set the limits on the sea to make it stop where he said. I was there when he laid the foundations of the earth.
30. I grew up as a child by his side, laughing and playing all the time.
31. I played in the world he made and enjoyed the people he put there.
32. “Now, children, listen to me. If you follow my ways, you will be happy too.
33. Listen to my teaching and be wise; don’t ignore what I say.
34. Whoever waits at my door and listens for me will be blessed.
35. Those who find me find life, and the Lord will reward them.