3
And when I was born, I began to breathe the common air, and fell upon the kindred earth, and my first sound was a cry, like that 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 mankind one entrance into life, and a common departure.
7
Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon 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,