"Wherewere you when I laidthe foundationof the earth?Tell[Me], ifyou haveunderstanding,
In the beginningGodcreatedthe heavensand the earth.
Thisis the accountof the heavensand the earthwhen they were created,in the daythat the LORDGodmadeearthand heaven.
"Were you the firstmanto be born,Or were you broughtforthbeforethe hills?
"When He impartedweightto the windAnd metedout the watersby measure,
"WhogaveHim authorityoverthe earth?And whohas laid[on Him] the wholeworld?
"Of oldYou foundedthe earth,And the heavensare the workof Your hands.
"Even they will perish,but You endure;And allof them will wearout like a garment;Like clothingYou will changethem and they will be changed.
He establishedthe earthupon its foundations,So that it will not totterforeverand ever.
The LORDby wisdomfoundedthe earth,By understandingHe establishedthe heavens.
Whohas ascendedinto heavenand descended?Whohas gatheredthe windin His fists?Whohas wrappedthe watersin His garment?Whohas establishedallthe endsof the earth?Whatis His nameor His son'sname?Surelyyou know!
"The LORDpossessedme at the beginningof His way,BeforeHis worksof old.
With whomdid He consultand [who] gaveHim understanding?And [who] taughtHim in the pathof justiceand taughtHim knowledgeAnd informedHim of the wayof understanding?
[It is] He who madethe earthby His power,Who establishedthe worldby His wisdom;And by His understandingHe has stretchedout the heavens.
For behold,He who formsmountainsand createsthe windAnd declaresto manwhatare His thoughts,He who makesdawninto darknessAnd treadson the highplacesof the earth,The LORDGodof hostsis His name.
And, "YOU, LORD,IN THE BEGINNINGLAID THE FOUNDATIONOF THE EARTH,AND THE HEAVENSARE THE WORKSOF YOUR HANDS;
in theselastdayshas spokento us in His Son,whomHe appointedheirof all things,throughwhomalsoHe madethe world.
"He raisesthe poorfrom the dust,He liftsthe needyfrom the ashheapTo make them sitwith nobles,And inherita seatof honor;For the pillarsof the earthare the LORD'S,And He setthe worldon them.
