Ere God had built the mountains,
…Or raised the fruitful hills;
Before he filled the fountains
…That feed the running rills;
In me, from everlasting,
…The wonderful I AM,
Found pleasures never-wasting,
…And Wisdom is my name.

When, like a tent to dwell in,
…He spread the skies abroad,
And swathed about the swelling
…Of Ocean’s mighty flood;
He wrought by weight and measure,
…And I was with him then:
Myself the Father’s pleasure,
…And mine, the sons of men.

Thus Wisdom’s words discover
…Thy glory and thy grace,
Thou everlasting lover
…Of our unworthy race!
Thy gracious eye surveyed us
…Ere stars were seen above;
In wisdom thou hast made us,
…And died for us in love.

And couldst thou be delighted
…With creatures such as we,
Who, when we saw thee, slighted
…And nailed…