I myself also am mortal, like to all,

2 And in the womb of a mother was I molded into flesh in the time of ten months,

3 And I also, when I was born, drew in the common air,

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:

8 I preferred her before scepters and thrones,

9 Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem,

10 Above health and comeliness I loved her,

11 But with her there came to me all good things together,

12 And I rejoiced over them all because wisdom leadeth them;

13 As I learned without guile, I impart without grudging;

14 For she is unto men a treasure that faileth not,

15 But to me may God give to speak with judgment,

16 For in his hand are both we and our words;

17 For himself gave me an unerring knowledge of the things that are,

18 The beginning and end and middle of times,

19 The circuits of years and the positions of stars;

20 The natures of living creatures and the ragings of wild beasts,

21 All things that are either secret or manifest I learned,

22 For she that is the artificer of all things taught me, even wisdom.

23 Beneficent, loving toward man,

24 For wisdom is more mobile than any motion;

25 For she is a breath of the power of God,

26 For she is an effulgence from everlasting light,

27 And she, being one, hath power to do all things;

28 For nothing doth God love save him that dwelleth with wisdom.

29 For she is fairer than the sun,

30 For to the light of day succeedeth night,