She reacheth from one end to another mightily: and sweetly doth she order all things. Therefore by her shall I have glory among the multitude, and honor among the elders, notwithstanding my youth. I shall attain to immortality and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me. I shall govern peoples, and nations shall be subject unto me. Dreadful kings, when they hear of me, shall be afraid; among the multitude I shall be found good, and valiant in war. In her company is good delight, and in the labors of her hands unceasing wealth, and in the discourse of her wisdom, understanding; and in joining with her in talk, honor. I went about seeking to take her unto myself.

I loved her, and sought her out from my youth; I desired to make her my bride, and I became a lover of her beauty.

In her alliance is glory, for she dwelleth with God: and the Lord of all loved her.

For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, and a chooser of His works.

If riches be a possession to be desired in life, what is richer than wisdom, which worketh all things?

And if understanding work; who is a more cunning artisan than she in the construction of the universe?

If a man love justice, 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 life.

If a man desire much knowledge, she knoweth things of old, and can conjecture aright what is to come: she knoweth the subtilities of speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she knoweth signs and wonders before they be done, and the events of times and seasons.

Therefore I purposed to take her unto me to live with me, knowing that she will be a counsellor of good things, and a comfort in my cares and grief.

I shall be found keen in judgment, and wonderful in the sight of mighty men.

When I hold my peace, they shall wait for me, and when I speak, they shall give ear; and if I discourse much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth.

And when 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 joy and gladness.

Now when I considered these things in myself, and thought in my heart that in her kinship there is immortality,

For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit.

Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.

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 with my whole heart, saying: