Proverbs 8:16-26 in English

¹⁶ By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable wealth and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, And that I may fill their treasuries.

²² Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth;

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and glory belong to me; yea, abundant possessions and righteousness.

¹⁹ It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in ways of righteousness, and am conversant with the paths of judgment;

²¹ that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill their treasures with good things.

^21a If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.

²² The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

²³ He established me before time was in the beginning, before he made the earth:

²⁴ even before he made the depths; before the fountains of water came forth:

²⁵ before the mountains were settled, and before all hills, he begets me.

²⁶ The Lord made countries and uninhabited tracts, and the highest inhabited parts of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and glory belong to me; yes, abundant possessions and righteousness.

¹⁹ It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in ways of righteousness, and am conversant with the paths of judgment;

²¹ that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill their treasures with good things. If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.

²² The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

²³ He established me before time was in the beginning, before he made the earth:

²⁴ even before he made the depths; before the fountains of water came forth:

²⁵ before the mountains were settled, and before all hills, he begets me.

²⁶ The Lord made countries and uninhabited tracks, and the highest inhabited parts of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me diligently shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, and that I may fill their treasuries.

²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ Rulers govern their people with the help of me, wisdom, and those who have authority decide things fairly/just with my help.

¹⁷ I, wisdom, love all those who love me, and all those who truly seek me will find me.

¹⁸ I enable people to become rich and to be honored; I enable them to have wealth that will last and to be successful.

¹⁹ What I can give people is more valuable than fine/pure gold and the best silver.

²⁰ I always do what is righteous and just/fair.

²¹ I give wealth to those who love me; I fill their houses with valuable things.

²² Yahweh created me, wisdom, when he began to create the world; he created me to do my work before he created anything else.

²³ He appointed me long ago, before he created the earth.

²⁴ I was born before the oceans were created, when there were no springs from which water flowed.

²⁵ I was born before the hills and mountains were formed;

²⁶ I, wisdom, was born before Yahweh made the earth, before he made the fields and the soil on the earth.

¹⁶ By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and glory belong to me; yes, abundant possessions and righteousness.

¹⁹ It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; and my produce is better than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in ways of righteousness, and am conversant with the paths of judgement;

²¹ that I may divide substance to them that love me, and may fill their treasures with good things. If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.

²² The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

²³ He established me before time was in the beginning, before he made the earth:

²⁴ even before he made the depths; before the fountains of water came forth:

²⁵ before the mountains were settled, and before all hills, he begets me.

²⁶ The Lord made countries and uninhabited tracks, and the highest inhabited parts of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honour, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ Through me chiefs have authority, and the noble ones are judging in righteousness.

¹⁷ Those who have given me their love are loved by me, and those who make search for me with care will get me.

¹⁸ Wealth and honour are in my hands, even wealth without equal and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, even than the best gold; and my increase is more to be desired than silver.

²⁰ I go in the road of righteousness, in the way of right judging:

²¹ So that I may give my lovers wealth for their heritage, making their store-houses full.

²² The Lord made me as the start of his way, the first of his works in the past.

²³ From eternal days I was given my place, from the birth of time, before the earth was.

²⁴ When there was no deep I was given birth, when there were no fountains flowing with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were put in their places, before the hills was my birth:

²⁶ When he had not made the earth or the fields or the dust of the world.

¹⁶ by me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; and they that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; durable wealth and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold, yea, than pure gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the path of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasuries.

²² Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and the mighty decree justice.

¹⁷ I love them that love me: and they that in the morning early watch for me, shall find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches and glory, glorious riches and justice.

¹⁹ For my fruit is better than gold and the precious stone, and my blossoms than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of justice, in the midst of the paths of judgment,

²¹ That I may enrich them that love me, and may fill their treasures.

²² The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made any thing from the beginning.

²³ I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made.

²⁴ The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived. neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out:

²⁵ The mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the hills I was brought forth:

²⁶ He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world.

¹⁶ It's because of me that leaders and nobles govern—all who rule justly.

¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who really look for me will find me.

¹⁸ With me go riches and honor, lasting wealth and prosperity.

¹⁹ The fruit I produce is better than gold, even pure gold, and my harvest is better than even the best silver.

²⁰ I live in a way that's right; I follow the paths of justice.

²¹ I grant wealth to those who love me; I fill their treasure storehouses.

²² The Lord created me first of all; I was made before anything else.

²³ I was formed a long time ago, at the first, before the world began.

²⁴ I was born when there were no ocean depths, when there were no springs pouring out water.

²⁵ I was born before the mountains or the hills had been formed,

²⁶ when he hadn't made the earth and its fields or any of the earth's dust.

¹⁶ By me princes rule and the nobles, and all the iudges of the earth.

¹⁷ I loue them that loue me: and they that seeke me earely, shall finde me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me: euen durable riches and righteousnesse.

¹⁹ My fruite is better then golde, euen then fine golde, and my reuenues better then fine siluer.

²⁰ I cause to walke in the way of righteousnes, and in the middes of the paths of iudgement,

²¹ That I may cause them that loue me, to inherite substance, and I will fill their treasures.

²² The Lord hath possessed me in the beginning of his way: I was before his workes of olde.

²³ I was set vp from euerlasting, from the beginning and before the earth.

²⁴ When there were no depths, was I begotten, when there were no fountaines abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountaines were setled: and before the hilles, was I begotten.

²⁶ He had not yet made the earth, nor the open places, nor the height of the dust in the worlde.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me, and those that seek me earnestly shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, enduring riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my produce than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, and that I may fill their treasuries.

²² The LORD made me as the beginning of His way, the first of His works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth;

²⁶ While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; Yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; And I will fill their treasures.

²² The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; When there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ Through me do princes rule, and the nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I indeed love those that love me: and those that seek me earnestly shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me, yea, enduring wealth and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, and than fine gold; and my products, than choice silver.

²⁰ On the road of righteousness do I walk firmly, in the midst the paths of justice:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit a lasting possession; and their treasures will I fill

²² The Lord created me as the beginning of his way, the first of his works from the commencement,

²³ From eternity was I appointed chief, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.

²⁴ When there were yet no depths, was I brought forth; when there were yet no springs laden heavily with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were yet sunk down, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the land and open fields, nor the chief of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me nobles become great, And monarchs by me rule over the earth.

¹⁷ I love those that love me; And they that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and glory belong to me; Yea, abundant possessions and righteousness.

¹⁹ It is better to have my fruit than to have gold and precious stones; And my produce is better than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in ways of righteousness, And am conversant with the paths of judgment;

²¹ That I may divide substance to them that love me, And may fill their treasures with good things.

^21a If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.

²² The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works.

²³ He established me before time was in the beginning, Before he made the earth:

²⁴ even before he made the depths; Before the fountains of water came forth:

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, And before all hills, he begets me.

²⁶ The Lord made countries and uninhabited tracts, And the highest inhabited parts of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me, And they who seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable riches and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold. And my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of equity.

²¹ I cause those who love me to possess substance; Yea, I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD created me, the firstling of his course, Before his works, of old;

²³ I was anointed from everlasting, From the beginning, even before the earth was made.

²⁴ When as yet there were no deeps, I was brought forth. When there were no springs, abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, Yea, before the hills, I was brought forth;

²⁶ Ere yet he had made the land and the wastes, And the first of the clods of the earth.

¹⁶ By me princes rule; nobles, and all the upright rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I 'ahav ·affectionately love· those who 'ahav ·affectionately love· me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, kavod ·weighty glory·, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of mishpat ·justice·;

²¹ That I may give wealth to those who 'ahav ·affectionately love· me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “ Adonai possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all who govern with justice.

¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me, find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches and honor, lasting wealth and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; my produce is better than pure silver.

²⁰ I walk in the path of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice.

²¹ As a result, I make those who love me inherit wealth; I fill up their treasuries.

²² Yahweh created me at the beginning, the first of his deeds then.

²³ In ages long ago I was made—from the first, from the beginnings of the earth.

²⁴ Before there were oceans, I was given birth— before there were springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled and before the hills, I was born.

²⁶ I was born before Yahweh had made the earth or the fields, or even the first dust in the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honour, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me; durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

²² The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth.

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches, honour, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,

²¹ that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

²² “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;

²⁶ while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

¹⁶ Princes command by me; and mighty men deem rightfulness or rightwiseness by me.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and they that wake early to me, shall find me.

¹⁸ With me be riches, and glory; sovereign riches, and rightfulness or rightwiseness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, and precious stone; and my seeds or my burgeonings be better than chosen silver.

²⁰ I go in the ways of rightfulness or rightwiseness, in the midst of the paths of doom;

²¹ that I make rich them that love me, and that I fill their treasures or their treasuries.

²² The Lord wielded me in the beginning of his ways; before that he made anything, at the beginning.

²³ From without beginning I was ordained; and from eld or old times, before that the earth was made.

²⁴ The Depths of waters were not yet; and I was conceived then. The wells of waters had not broken out yet,

²⁵ and hills stood not altogether yet by firm heaviness; before little hills I was born.

²⁶ Yet he had not made the earth; and floods, and the earths of the world.

¹⁶ Princes command by me; and mighty men deem rightfulness by me. (Leaders command by me; and mighty men judge rightly, or with justice, by me.)

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and they that wake early to me, shall find me. (I love them who love me; and they who wake up early to seek me, shall find me.)

¹⁸ With me be riches, and glory; sovereign riches, and rightfulness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, and precious stone(s); and my seeds or burgeonings be better than chosen silver (or and my recompense is better than choice silver).

²⁰ I go in the ways of rightfulness, in the midst of the paths of doom; (I go on the ways of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;)

²¹ that I make rich them that love me (or so that I make rich those who love me), and that I fill their treasures/their treasuries.

²² The Lord wielded me in the beginning of his ways (or The Lord created me at the beginning of his ways); before that he made anything, (yea), at the (very) beginning.

²³ From without beginning I was ordained; and from eld times, before that the earth was made.

²⁴ The Depths of waters were not yet (made); and I was conceived then. The wells of waters had not broken out yet (or The water wells had not yet broken forth),

²⁵ and hills stood not (al)together yet by firm heaviness; before little hills I was born. (and the mountains did not yet stand with firm heaviness; yea, I was born before the little hills.)

²⁶ Yet he had not made the earth; and floods, and the earths of the world. (He had not yet made the earth; and the rivers, and the dust of the world.)

¹⁶ By me do chiefs rule, and nobles, All judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love those loving me, And those seeking me earnestly do find me.

¹⁸ Wealth and honour are with me, Lasting substance and righteousness.

¹⁹ Better is my fruit than gold, even fine gold, And mine increase than choice silver.

²⁰ In a path of righteousness I cause to walk, In midst of paths of judgment,

²¹ To cause my lovers to inherit substance, Yea, their treasures I fill.

²² Jehovah possessed me — the beginning of His way, Before His works since then.

²³ From the age I was anointed, from the first, From former states of the earth.

²⁴ In there being no depths, I was brought forth, In there being no fountains heavy with waters,

²⁵ Before mountains were sunk, Before heights, I was brought forth.

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