23 I have been anointed from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was.

24 I was born when the deep did not yet exist, when there were no springs abounding in water.

25 I was born before the mountains were raised, before the hills,

26 when he had not yet created the earth, nor the fields, nor the primordial specks of dust of the world.

E-27 When He was preparing the heavens, I was there. As He drew a circular line across the face of the abyss,

28 when he established the clouds above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep,

29 And when he gave the sea a statute, that the waters should not overstep the boundaries thereof, when he laid the foundations of the earth,

30 then I was a painter with him, and was a joy all the day, rejoicing in his presence all the time,

31 rejoicing in his earthly circle, and my joy was with the children of men.

32 Now, children, listen to me; and blessed are those who keep my ways!

33 Listen to the instruction and be wise, and do not depart from it.

34 Blessed is the man who heareth me, watching every day at my gates, and standing guard at my doors.

35 for whoever has found me has found life, and will receive grace from the Lord;

36 But he who sins against me injures his own soul: all those who hate me love death."

Chapter 9

1 Wisdom built herself a house, hewn out its seven pillars,

2 And she slaughtered the sacrifice, and dissolved her wine, and prepared a table for herself;

3 And she sent her servants to proclaim from the high places of the city, saying,

4 "Whosoever is foolish, turn hither!"

5 "Go, eat my bread, and drink the wine which I have mixed;

6 Leave foolishness, and live, and walk in the way of understanding."