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 care.
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
Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
8
I preferred her before scepters and thrones, and esteemed riches as nothing in comparison to her;
9
neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all gold with respect to 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.