5. For none of the kings had any other beginning of birth.
6. Therefore, there is only one entrance for everyone into life, and the same in leaving.
7. Because of this, I chose, and understanding was given to me; and I prayed, and the spirit of wisdom came to me;
8. and I placed her before kingdoms and thrones, and I considered riches nothing in comparison with her.
9. Neither did I compare to her a precious stone, for all gold in comparison with her is like a little sand, and silver, in view of her, will be valued as if dirt.
10. I loved her above health and beauty, and I placed having her before light, for her light is unfailing.
11. Yet all good things came to me together with her, and innumerable honors by her hand;
12. and I rejoiced in all these, because this wisdom went before me, although I did not know that she is the mother of them all.
13. This I have learned without falsehood and communicate without envy, and her integrity I do not hide.
14. Indeed, she is an infinite treasure chest for men, and those who make use of it, become partakers in the friendship of God, because they are recommended by the gifts of instruction.
15. Yet God has given to me to speak my mind, and to conceive thoughts worthy of those things that are given to me, because he is the leader of wisdom and the repairer of understanding.
16. For in his hand are both we, and our words, and all wisdom, and the works of science, and instruction.
17. For he has given me true knowledge of these things which exist: so as to know the orderly arrangement of the world, and the powers of the elements,
18. the beginning and the end and the midpoint of the seasons, the characteristics of changing things, and the divisions of time,