Wisdom 7:3-13

3 And when I was born, I began to breathe the common air, and fell upon the kindred earth; my first sound was a cry, as is true of all.

4 I was nursed with care in swaddling cloths.

5 For no king has had a different beginning of existence;

6 there is for all one entrance into life, and one way out.

7 Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

8 I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.

9 Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her.

10 I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases.

11 All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.

12 I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom leads them; but I did not know that she was their mother.

13 I learned without guile and I impart without grudging; I do not hide her wealth,