1
Wisdom reaches with strength from one end to the other, and orders all things well.
2
I loved her and sought her from my youth. I desired to take her as my bride, and I became a lover of her beauty.
3
She makes known the nobility of her birth because she lives together with Elohim, and the Master of all loved her.
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For she is initiated into the knowledge of Elohim, and she chooses His works.
5
If wealth is a possession to be desired in life, what is richer than wisdom, who works all things?
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And if understanding is a worker, who among the things that exist is a greater craftsman than she?
7
And if an ish loves Righteousness, the fruits of her labor are virtues. For she teaches self-restraint and prudence, Righteousness and courage, and there is nothing more useful to Adam in life than these.
8
And if an ish desires abundance of experience, she knows the things of old and perceives the things to come. She understands the turns of sayings and the solutions of riddles. She knows beforehand signs and wonders and the outcomes of seasons and appointed times.
9
Therefore I determined to bring her to live with me, knowing that she would be a counselor of good things and an encouragement in cares and grief.
10
Because of her I shall have glory among the multitudes, and honor before the elders, though I am young.
11
I shall be found sharp in Judgment, and in the sight of rulers I shall be admired.
12
When I am silent, they shall wait for me. When I speak, they shall give attention. And when I continue speaking at length, they shall place their hand upon their mouth.
13
Because of her I shall obtain immortality and leave behind an everlasting remembrance to those after me.
14
I shall govern peoples, and nations shall be subjected to me.
15
Fearsome rulers, when they hear of me, shall fear. Among the people I shall appear good, and in war courageous.
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When I enter into my house, I shall rest with her. For companionship with her has no bitterness, and life together with her has no grief, but gladness and joy.
17
When I considered these things within myself, and pondered them in my heart— that immortality is found in kinship with wisdom,
18
and noble delight in friendship with her, and inexhaustible wealth in the works of her hands, and understanding in the exercise of fellowship with her, and good renown in sharing her words— I went about seeking how I might take her to myself.
19
Now I was a child of good nature, and a good being fell to my lot.
20
Or rather, being good, I entered an undefiled body.
21
But when I perceived that I could not possess her unless Elohim gave her to me— and this also was a matter of understanding: to know whose gift she was— I turned to Yahuah and petitioned Him, and with all my heart I said: