Wis 8
1
Wisdom reaches from one end to another mightily: and sweetly does 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 works 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 labours are virtues: for she teaches 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 knows things of old, and conjectureth aright
what is to come: she knows the subtilties 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 honour with the elders,
though I be young.
11
I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgement, 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 to 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 to 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 mine house, I will repose myself with her: for her conversation
has no bitterness; and to live with her has 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 to 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 to
the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart I said,