²² The Lord created me at the beginning of his way,
    before his deeds long in the past.
²³ I was formed in ancient times,
    at the beginning, before the earth was.
²⁴ When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth,
    when there were no springs flowing with water.
²⁵ Before the mountains were settled,
    before the hills, I was brought forth;

³⁰ I was beside him as a master of crafts.^[a]
    I was having fun,
    smiling before him all the time,