3
And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do.
4
I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and that with cares.
5
For there is no king that had any other beginning of birth.
6
For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.
7
Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
8
I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.
9
Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all gold in respect of her is as a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her.
10
I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for the light that cometh from her never goeth out.
11
All good things together came to me with her, and innumerable riches in her hands.
12
And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goeth before them: and I knew not that she was the mother of them.
13
I learned diligently, and do communicate her liberally: I do not hide her riches.