Wisdom Of Solomon 8
1 Wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily;
and sweetly doth she order all things.
2 I loved her, and sought
her out from my youth, I desired to make
her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty.
3 In that she is conversant with God,
she magnifieth her nobility: yea, the Lord of all things himself loved her.
4 For she is privy to the mysteries of
the knowledge of God, and a lover of his works.
5 If riches be a possession to be
desired in this life; what is richer than wisdom, that worketh all things?
6 And if prudence work; who of all
that are is a more cunning workman than she?
7 And if a man love righteousness, her
labours are virtues: for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and
fortitude: which are such things, as men can have nothing more profitable in
their life. 8 If a man desire much
experience, she knoweth things of old, and conjectureth
aright what is to come: she knoweth the subtilties of
speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she foreseeth signs and wonders, and
the events of seasons and times.
9 Therefore I purposed to take her to
me to live with me, knowing that she would be a counsellor of good things, and
a comfort in cares and grief. 10 For
her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, and honour with the
elders, though I be young. 11 I shall
be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be admired in the sight of
great men. 12 When I hold my tongue,
they shall bide my leisure, and when I speak, they shall give good ear unto
me: if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth.
13 Moreover by the means of her I
shall obtain immortality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them
that come after me. 14 I shall set
the people in order, and the nations shall be subject unto me.
15 Horrible tyrants shall be afraid
when they do but hear of me; I shall be found good among the multitude, and
valiant in war. 16 After I am come
into mine house, I will repose myself with her: for her conversation hath no
bitterness: and to live with her hath no sorrow, but mirth and joy.
17 Now when I considered these things
in myself, and pondered them in my heart, how that to be allied unto wisdom is
immortality; 18 and great pleasure it
is to have her friendship; and in the works of her hands are infinite riches;
and in the exercise of conference with her, prudence; and in talking with her,
a good report; I went about seeking how to take her to me.
19 For I was a witty child, and had a
good spirit. 20 Yea rather, being
good, I came into a body undefiled.
21 Nevertheless, when I perceived
that I could not otherwise obtain her, except God gave her me; and that was a
point of wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I prayed unto the Lord, and
besought him, and with my whole heart I said,