Wisdom Present at the World's Beginning
"Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, Before his deeds of old.
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth existed.
When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water.
Before the mountains were settled in place, Before the hills, I was brought forth;
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
When he established the heavens, I was there; When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
When he established the clouds above, When the springs of the deep became strong,
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;
Then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, Always rejoicing before him,
Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.
