Wisdom of Solomon 8

1 Wisdom reaches powerfully from one end to the other and orders everything with gentleness. 2 I loved her and sought her from my youth. I desired to make her my bride and became a lover of her beauty. 3 Her close companionship with God displays her noble birth, and the Master of all loves her. 4 She is initiated into the knowledge of God and chooses his works. 5 If riches are a possession worth desiring in this life, what is richer than wisdom, who brings everything about? 6 If discernment accomplishes things, who among all that exists is a greater craftswoman than she? 7 If someone loves righteousness, wisdom’s labors are virtues, for she teaches self-control, discernment, righteousness, and courage. Nothing is more useful than these in human life. 8 If someone desires wide experience, she knows the things of long ago and infers the things to come. She understands subtle turns of speech and interprets riddles; she foresees signs and wonders and the outcomes of seasons and times.

9 Therefore I decided to bring her home to live with me, knowing that she would counsel me about good things and encourage me amid cares and grief. 10 Because of her I will receive glory among the crowds and honor among elders, though I am young. 11 I will be found perceptive in judgment and will be admired before sovereigns. 12 When I am silent, they will wait for me; when I speak, they will pay attention. If I speak at length, they will place their hands over their mouths. 13 Because of her I will obtain immortality and leave an everlasting memory to those who come after me. 14 I will govern peoples, and nations will be subject to me. 15 Terrifying tyrants will be afraid when they hear of me. I will be shown to be good among the people and courageous in war. 16 When I enter my house, I will rest beside her. Companionship with her has no bitterness, and life with her has no pain, but only gladness and joy.

17 As I considered these things within myself and reflected in my heart that kinship with wisdom brings immortality, 18 that her friendship brings good pleasure, that the works of her hands bring inexhaustible riches, that training in her companionship brings discernment, and that sharing her words brings renown, I went about seeking how to take her to myself. 19 I was a naturally gifted child and was allotted a good soul. 20 Or rather, because I was good, I entered an undefiled body. 21 But I realized that I could not possess wisdom unless God gave her to me—and knowing from whom that favor comes was itself a mark of discernment. So I turned to the Lord, pleaded with him, and spoke with my whole heart: