1
Wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily, and sweetly doth she order all things.
2
I loved her, and sought her out from my youth; I desired to make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty.
3
In that she is conversant with God, she magnifieth her nobility; yea, the Lord of all things Himself loved her.
4
For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, and a lover of His works.
5
If riches be a possession to be desired in this life, what is richer than wisdom that worketh all things?
6
And if prudence work, who of all that are is a more skillful workman than she?
7
And if a man love righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude, which are such things as men can have nothing more profitable in their life.
8
If a man desire much experience, she knoweth things of old, and conjectureth aright what is to come; she knoweth the subtleties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences; she foreseeth signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and times.
9
Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me, knowing that she would be a counselor of good things and a comfort in cares and grief.
10
For her sake I shall have esteem among the multitude and honor with the elders, though I be young.
11
I shall be found of a quick conception in judgment, and shall be admired in the sight of great men.
12
When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure; and when I speak, they shall give good ear unto me; if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth.
13
Moreover, by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me.
14
I shall set the people in order, and the nations shall be subject unto me.
15
Horrible tyrants shall be afraid when they do but hear of me. I shall be found good among the multitude, and valiant in war.
16
After I have come into mine house, I will repose myself with her; for her conversation hath no bitterness, and to live with her hath no sorrow, but mirth and joy.
17
Now when I considered these things in myself and pondered them in my heart; how that to be allied unto wisdom is immortality,
18
and great pleasure it is to have her friendship, and in the works of her hands are infinite riches, and in the exercise of conference with her, prudence, and in talking with her, a good report--I went about seeking how to take her to me.
19
For I was a discerning child, and had a good spirit;
20
yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.
21
Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her, unless God gave her to me (and that was a point of wisdom also, to know whose gift she was), I prayed unto the Lord and besought Him, and with my whole heart I said: