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.
14
For she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which they that use become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that come from learning.
15
God hath granted me to speak as I would, and to conceive as is meet for the things that are given me: because it is he that leadeth unto wisdom, and directeth the wise.
16
For in his hand are both we and our words; all wisdom also, and knowledge of workmanship.
17
For he hath given me certain knowledge of the things that are, namely, to know how the world was made, and the operation of the elements: