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Proverbs 8
22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
(8,6,8,6)
Keep silence, all ye sons of men,
and hear with rev’rence due;
Eternal Wisdom from above
thus lifts her voice to you:
I was th’ Almighty’s chief delight
from everlasting days,
Ere yet his arm was stretched forth
the heav’ns and earth to raise.
Before the sea began to flow,
and leave the solid land,
Before the hills and mountains rose,
I dwelt at his right hand.
When first he reared the arch of heav’n,
and spread the clouds on air,
When first the fountains of the deep
he opened, I was there.
There I was with him, when he stretched
his compass o’er the deep,
And charged the ocean’s swelling waves
within their bounds to keep.
With joy I saw th’ abode prepared
which men were soon to fill:
Them from the first of days I loved,
unchanged, I love them still.
Now therefore hearken to my words,
ye children, and be wise:
Happy the man that keeps my ways;
the man that shuns them dies.
Where dubious paths perplex the mind,
direction I afford;
Life shall be his that follows me
and favour from the Lord.
But he who scorns my sacred laws
shall deeply wound his heart,
He courts destruction who contemns
the counsel I impart.
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