4. In swaddling clothes was I nursed, and with watchful cares.
5. For no king had any other first beginning;
6. But all men have one entrance into life, and a like departure.
7. For this cause I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and there came to me a spirit of wisdom.
8. I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, And riches I esteemed nothing in comparison of her.
9. Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, Because all the gold of the earth in her presence is a little sand, And silver shall be accounted as clay before her.
10. Above health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose to have her rather than light, Because her bright shining is never laid to sleep.
11. But with her there came to me all good things together, And in her hands innumerable riches:
12. And I rejoiced over them all because wisdom leads them; Though I knew not that she was the mother of them.
13. As I learned without guile, I impart without grudging; I do not hide her riches.
14. For she is to men a treasure that fails not, And they that use it obtain friendship with God, Commended to him by the gifts which they through discipline present to him.
15. But to me may God give to speak with judgement, And to conceive thoughts worthy of what has been given me; Because himself is one that guideth even wisdom and that correcteth the wise.