CLV(i)
23 From the eon was I inaugurated, From the beginning, preceeding the earth;"
24 When there were no abysses I was travailed, When there were no springs teeming with water."
25 Ere the mountains were sunk in place, Before the hills, I was travailed,
26 When He had not yet made the earth and its open places, Or the beginnings of soil for the habitance."
27 When He established the heavens I was there, When He delineated the horizon on the face of the abyss,
28 When He made the sky clouds firm above, When He set the springs of the abyss with strength,
29 When He established for the sea its statutory limit, So that the waters may not pass beyond His bidding, When He delineated the foundations of the earth."
30 Then I was beside Him as His foster child, And I was filled with bliss day by day, Gamboling before Him all the time,
31 Gamboling in the habitance of His earth, And my bliss was in the sons of humanity."
32 Now then, my sons, hearken to me; Happy are those who keep my ways."
33 Hearken to my admonition, and be wise; Do not renounce it."
34 Happy is the man who hearkens to me, Being alert at my doors day by day, Keeping watch at the jambs of my portals."
35 For whoever finds me will find life And shall gain hold of benevolence from Yahweh.
36 Yet whoever misses me wrongs his soul; All who hate me love death.