1
Wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily; And sweetly doth she order all things.
2
I loved her, and sought her out from my youth, I desired to make her my spouse, And I was a lover of her beauty.
3
In that she is conversant with God, she magnifieth her nobility: Yea, the Lord of all things himself loved her.
4
For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, And a lover of his works.
5
If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; What is richer than wisdom, that worketh all things?
6
And if prudence work; Who of all that are is a more cunning workman than she?
7
And if a man love righteousness, Her labors are virtues: For she teacheth temperance and prudence, Justice and fortitude: Which are such things, as men can have nothing more profitable in their life.
8
If a man desire much experience, She knoweth things of old, and conjectureth aright what is to come: She knoweth the subtleties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences: She foreseeth signs and wonders, And the events of seasons and times.
9
Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me, Knowing that she would be a counselor of good things, And a comfort in cares and grief.
10
For her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, And honor with the elders, though I be young.
11
I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, And shall be admired in the sight of great men.
12
When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure, And when I speak, they shall give good ear unto me: If I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth.
13
Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, And leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me.
14
I shall set the people in order, And the nations shall be subject unto me.
15
Horrible tyrants shall be afraid when they do but hear of me; I shall be found good among the multitude, and valiant in war.
16
After I am come into my house, I will repose myself with her: For her conversation hath no bitterness: And to live with her hath no sorrow, But mirth and joy.
17
Now when I considered these things in myself, And pondered them in my heart, How that to be allied unto wisdom is immortality;
18
And great pleasure it is to have her friendship; And in the works of her hands are infinite riches; And in the exercise of conference with her, prudence; And in talking with her, a good report; I went about seeking how to take her to me.
19
For I was a witty child, And had a good spirit.
20
Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.
21
Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her, except God gave her me; And that was a point of wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I prayed unto the Lord, and besought him, And with my whole heart I said,