For I myself also am a mortal man, like unto all, and am sprung from him that was first made of the earth. And in my mother's womb I was fashioned to be flesh, and received all goodly things, and acquired from her hands immeasurable riches.

And in the space of ten months was fashioned into blood from the seed of man, and the pleasure that accompanieth sleep, for it is the brightness of the everlasting light, and the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of His goodness.

And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the common earth, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as do all men.

I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and with much care.

For there is no king that had any other beginning of birth.

But all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.

Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.

Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all gold in her sight is but a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her.

I loved her above health and comeliness, and chose to have her instead of light: for the light that cometh from her is never quenched.

All good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches in her hands. And I knew not that she was the mother of them all.

I learned her without guile, and impart her without envy: I do not hide her riches.

For she is a treasure unto men that faileth not: which they that have used, obtained the favour of God, being made friends of God by reason of the gifts of discipline.

God grant 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.

For in his hand are both we and our words, and all understanding and knowledge of all crafts.

For he hath given me certain knowledge of the things that are, to know the constitution of the world, and the operation of the elements:

The beginning, ending, and midst of the times: the alterations of the turning of the sun, and the change of seasons:

The circuits of years, and the positions of stars;

The natures of living creatures, and the furies of wild beasts, the violence of winds, and the thoughts of men, the diversities of plants, and the virtues of roots:

And all such things as are either secret or manifest, I learned, for she that is the artificer of all things taught me, even Wisdom.

For in her is the holy spirit, the only begotten, endowed with many excellences; subtle, swift to move, eloquent, undefiled, clear, secure, loving the good, sharp, free, beneficent,

Loving mankind, steadfast, sure, tranquil, mighty, overseeing all, and penetrating through all spirits that are intelligent, pure, and most subtle.

For Wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and goeth through all things by reason of her pureness.

For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her.

And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in herself, she maketh all things new: and in all ages entering into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God, and prophets.

For God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom.

For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of stars: being compared with the light, she is found before it.

For after this cometh night: but against wisdom evil cannot prevail.