But she reacheth from one end of the world to the other with full strength,

2 Her I loved and sought out from my youth,

3 She glorifieth her noble birth in that it is given her to live with God,

4 For she is initiated into the knowledge of God,

5 But if riches are a desired possession in life,

6 And if understanding worketh,

7 And if a man loveth righteousness,

8 And if a man longeth even for much experience,

9 I determined therefore to take her unto me to live with me,

10 Because of her I shall have glory among multitudes,

11 I shall be found of a quick conceit when I give judgment,

12 When I am silent, they shall wait for me;

13 Because of her I shall have immortality,

14 I shall govern peoples,

15 Dread princes shall fear me when they hear of me:

16 When I am come into my house, I shall find rest with her;

17 When I considered these things in myself,

18 And in her friendship is good delight,

19 Now I was a child of parts, and a good soul fell to my lot;

20 Nay rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.

21 But perceiving that I could not otherwise possess wisdom except God gave her me