For I was a son unto my father, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

I was well-nigh in all evil In the midst of the assembly and congregation.

I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was.

When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.

Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth;

When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep,

Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him,

Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men.

They have stricken me,'shalt thou say , and I was not hurt; They have beaten me, and I felt it not: When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, The face thereof was covered with nettles, And the stone wall thereof was broken down.