Wisdom of Solomon 8

1But she reaches mightily from one end to the other, and she governs all things well.

2I loved her and sought her out from my youth, and I sought to take her as my bride, and I became a lover of her beauty.

3Her nobility is glorified by living together with God, and the Master of all loved her.

4For she is an initiate in the knowledge of God, and a chooser of his works.

5And if wealth is a desirable possession in life, what is richer than wisdom, which works all things?

6And if understanding is effective, who among existing things is more skillful than she?

7And if anyone loves righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teaches self-control and prudence, righteousness and courage, than which nothing is more useful for human beings in life.

8And if anyone longs even for much experience, she knows the things of old and can infer the things to come; she understands turns of speech and solutions to riddles; she knows beforehand signs and wonders and the outcomes of seasons and times.

9So I decided to take her to live with me, knowing that she would be a counselor of good things for me, and a comfort in cares and grief.

10And as a young man I will have glory among crowds, and honor before elders,

11I will be found keen in judgment, and in the sight of rulers I will be admired.

12When I am silent, they will wait for me, and when I speak, they will pay attention; and when I speak at greater length, they will lay a hand on their mouth.

13And through her I will have immortality, and I will leave behind an everlasting remembrance to those after me.

14I will govern peoples, and nations will be subject to me;

15Fearsome tyrants will fear me when they hear; among the multitude I will appear good, and in war courageous.

16When I go into my house, I will find rest beside her; for her company has no bitterness, nor does living with her have pain, but gladness and joy.

17When I considered these things within myself and reflected in my heart that there is immortality in kinship with wisdom,

18And in her friendship there is good delight, and in the labors of her hands, unfailing wealth, and in companionship with her, prudence, and honor in sharing her words. I went about seeking how I might take her to myself.

19I was a gifted child, and I received a good soul,

20Rather, being good, I came into an undefiled body.

21But knowing that I would not otherwise be self-controlled unless God gave it—and that this also was insight, to know whose gift it was—I appealed to the Lord and implored him, and I said with my whole heart: