Wisdom of Solomon
8:1 Wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily: and sweetly doth she
order all things.
8:2 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.
8:3 In that she is conversant with God, she magnifieth her nobility: yea,
the Lord of all things himself loved her.
8:4 For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, and a lover
of his works.
8:5 If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; what is richer
than wisdom, that worketh all things?
8:6 And if prudence work; who of all that are is a more cunning workman than
she?
8:7 And if a man love righteousness her labours are virtues: for she
teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude: which are such
things, as en can have nothing more profitable in their life.
8:8 If a man desire much experience, she knoweth things of old, and
conjectureth aright what is to come: she knoweth the subtilties of
speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she foreseeth signs and
wonders, and the events of seasons and times.
8:9 Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me, knowing that she
would be a counsellor of good things, and a comfort in cares and grief.
8:10 For her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, and honour
with the elders, though I be young.
8:11 I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be admired in
the sight of great men.
8:12 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.
8:13 Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and leave
behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me.
8:14 I shall set the people in order, and the nations shall be subject unto
me.
8:15 Horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of me; I shall
be found good among the multitude, and valiant in war.
8:16 After I am come into mine 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.
8:17 Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered them in my
heart, how that to be allied unto wisdom is immortality;
8:18 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.
8:19 For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit.
8:20 Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.
8:21 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,
