008:020 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice; 008:021 That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries. 008:022 "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old. 008:023 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed. 008:024 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. 008:025 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 008:026 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world. 008:027 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep, 008:028 when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong, 008:029 when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth; 008:030 then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him, 008:031 Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men. 008:032 "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. 008:033 Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it. 008:034 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts. 008:035 For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh. 008:036 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death." 009:001 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. 009:002 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. 009:003 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city: 009:004 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 009:005 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! 009:006 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding." 009:007 He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. 009:008 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 009:009 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. 009:010 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 009:011 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased. 009:012 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. 009:013 The foolish woman is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing.