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.