For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.

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;

When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

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.

"They hit me, and I was not hurt. They beat me, and I do not feel it. When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another."

Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.