1. I myself also am a mortal man, like all others, and of the race of him, that was first made of the earth, and in the womb of my mother I was fashioned to be flesh.
2. In the time of ten months I was compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure of sleep concurring.
3. And being born I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, that is made alike, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do.
4. I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and with great cares.
5. For none of the kings had any other beginning of birth.
6. For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.
7. Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me:
8. And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.
9. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold in comparison of her, is as a little sand, and silver in respect to her shall be counted as clay.
10. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out.
11. Now all good things came to me together with her, and innumerable riches through her hands,
12. And I rejoiced in all these: for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she was the mother of them all.
13. Which I have learned without guile, and communicate without envy, and her riches I hide not.
14. For she is an infinite treasure to men! which they that use, become the friends of God, being commended for the gift of discipline.
15. And God hath given to me to speak as I would, and to conceive thoughts worthy of those things that are given me: because he is the guide of wisdom, and the director of the wise: