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.