^{23 Ref} From the age I was anointed, from the first, From former states of the earth.

^{24 Ref} In there being no depths, I was brought forth, In there being no fountains heavy `with' waters,

^{25 Ref} Before mountains were sunk, Before heights, I was brought forth.

^{26 Ref} While He had not made the earth, and out-places, And the top of the dusts of the world.

^{27 Ref} In His preparing the heavens I `am' there, In His decreeing a circle on the face of the deep,

²⁸ In His strengthening clouds above, In His making strong fountains of the deep,

^{29 Ref} In His setting for the sea its limit, And the waters transgress not His command, In His decreeing the foundations of earth,

^{30 Ref} Then I am near Him, a workman, And I am a delight -- day by day. Rejoicing before Him at all times,

^{31 Ref} Rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth, And my delights `are' with the sons of men.

^{32 Ref} And now, ye sons, hearken to me, Yea, happy are they who keep my ways.

^{33 Ref} Hear instruction, and be wise, and slight not.

^{34 Ref} O the happiness of the man hearkening to me, To watch at my doors day by day, To watch at the door-posts of my entrance.

^{35 Ref} For whoso is finding me, hath found life, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.

^{36 Ref} And whoso is missing me, is wronging his soul, All hating me have loved death!