17 I thought all these things to myself. I reflected on them in my heart. I thought: If immortality is to be found by becoming part of Wisdom's family,
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if dignified delight is to be found in being Wisdom's friend, if unending wealth comes through the works of her hands, if practical intelligence comes through being well acquainted with her, if fame comes through conversing with her, then I will definitely make her mine.
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I was a clever child and had been born with a dignified attitude—
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or, better said, because my soul was already dignified, it entered a spotless body.
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But I knew that there was no way I could possess Wisdom unless God gave her to me (and to know this was also a mark of intelligence!). So I came before the Lord and pleaded with him. I said with all my heart: