The ruler’s need for wisdom
1 I'm just a human like everyone else. I'm a descendant of the first person who was created out of earth. My flesh was molded into shape during the time that I was in my mother's womb.
2
Over the course of ten months, I took shape from her blood, built up out of a man's seed and a night of pleasure.
3
When I was born, I gulped in the same air as everyone else. I dropped out onto the same earth that all people share. I let out my first cry that was just like the sound anyone else makes.
4
I was nurtured by snug clothes and good care.
5
No king has ever begun life any differently.
6
There's only one way into life for everyone, and only one way out as well.
7
Because of this, I prayed, and the ability to reason wisely was given to me. I called out, and Wisdom's spirit came to me.
8
I chose wisdom above all the symbols of royalty and over any throne. In comparison to her, I counted riches as nothing.
9
She was more precious to me than even a priceless jewel, since all the gold in the world would be nothing more than a little sand before her. All the silver would be just like clay in her presence.
10
I loved her more than health or beauty. I chose her above sunlight itself, for her brightness never sets.
11
Yet then I found that every other good thing also came with her, for in her hands were countless riches.
12
I rejoiced in all this because Wisdom brings them all in tow. I didn't know that she had given birth to them.
13
I learned in innocence, and I don't begrudge sharing it with you. I won't conceal her riches.
14
She's a never-ending treasure for humans. Those who possess her are ready to be God's friends, commended for the gifts that come from instruction.