7 I myself am also[fn] mortal, like everyone else,

and am a descendant of one formed first and born of the earth.

2 I moulded into flesh in the time of ten months in my mother’s womb,

being compacted in blood from the seed of man and pleasure of marriage.

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

and fell onto the kindred earth,

uttering, like all, for my first voice, the same cry.

4 I was nursed with care in swaddling clothes.

5 Because no king had a different beginning,

6 but all men have one entrance into life, and a common departure.

7 Because this cause I prayed, and understanding was given to me.

I asked, and a spirit of wisdom came to me.

8 I preferred her before sceptres and thrones.

I considered riches nothing in comparison to her.

9 Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem,

because all gold in her presence is a little sand,

and silver will be considered as clay before her.

10 I loved her more than health and beauty,

and I chose to have her rather than light,

because her bright shining is never laid to sleep.

11 All good things came to me with her,

and innumerable riches are in her hands.

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

although I didn’t know that she was their mother.

13 As I learnt without guile, I impart without grudging.

I don’t hide her riches.

14 Because she’s a treasure for men that doesn’t fail,

and those who use it obtain friendship with God,

commended by the gifts which they present through discipline.