²⁵ before the mountains were settled in place,^(A)
    before the hills, I was given birth,^(B)

²⁵ In the beginning^(A) you laid the foundations of the earth,
    and the heavens^(B) are the work of your hands.^(C)
26 They will perish,^(D) but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them
    and they will be discarded.
²⁷ But you remain the same,^(E)
    and your years will never end.^(F)
28 The children of your servants^(G) will live in your presence;
    their descendants^(H) will be established before you.”

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands.^(A)

⁴ “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?^(A)
    Tell me, if you understand.^(B)
5 Who marked off its dimensions?^(C) Surely you know!
    Who stretched a measuring line^(D) across it?
⁶ On what were its footings set,^(E)
    or who laid its cornerstone^(F)—
⁷ while the morning stars^(G) sang together^(H)
    and all the angels^[a](I) shouted for joy?^(J)

⁸ “Who shut up the sea behind doors^(K)
    when it burst forth from the womb,^(L)
9 when I made the clouds its garment
    and wrapped it in thick darkness,^(M)
10 when I fixed limits for it^(N)
    and set its doors and bars in place,^(O)
11 when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;^(P)
    here is where your proud waves halt’?^(Q)

⁷ “Are you the first man ever born?^(A)
    Were you brought forth before the hills?^(B)
8 Do you listen in on God’s council?^(C)
    Do you have a monopoly on wisdom?^(D)