2 I loved her and wanted her from my youth.

I tried to take her for my bride.

I became enamoured by her beauty.

3 She glorifies her noble birth by living with God.

The Sovereign master of all loves her.

4 Because she’s initiated into the knowledge of God,

and she chooses his works.

5 But if riches are a desired possession in life,

what’s richer than wisdom, which makes all things?

6 And if understanding is effective,

who more than[fn] wisdom is an architect of the things that exist?

7 If a man loves righteousness,

the fruits of wisdom’s labour[fn] are virtues,

for she teaches soberness, understanding, righteousness, and courage.

There’s nothing in life more profitable for people than these.

8 And if anyone longs for wide experience,

she knows the things of old, and infers the things to come.

She understands subtleties of speeches and interpretations of dark sayings.

She foresees signs and wonders, and the issues of seasons and times.

9 Therefore I determined to take her to live with me,

knowing that she’s one who’d give me good counsel,

and encourage me in cares and grief.

10 Because of her, I’ll have glory among multitudes,

and honour in the sight of elders, though I’m young.

11 I’ll be found keen when I give judgement.

I’ll be admired in the presence of rulers.

12 When I’m silent, they’ll wait for me.

When I open my lips, they’ll heed what I say.

If I continue speaking, they’ll put their hands on their mouths.

13 Because of her, I’ll have immortality,

and leave behind an eternal memory to those who come after me.

14 I’ll govern peoples.

Nations will be subjected to me.

15 Dreaded monarchs will fear me when they hear of me.

Among the people, I’ll show myself to be good, and courageous in war.

16 When I come into my house, I’ll find rest with her.

Because conversation with her has no bitterness,

and living with her has no pain, but gladness and joy.

17 When I considered these things in myself,

and thought in my heart how immortality is in kinship to wisdom,

18 and in her friendship is good delight,

and in the labours of her hands is wealth that doesn’t fail,

and understanding is in her companionship,

and great renown in having fellowship with her words,

I went about seeking how to take her to myself.

19 Now I was a clever child, and received a good soul.

20 Or rather, being good, I came into an undefiled body.

21 But perceiving that I couldn’t otherwise possess wisdom unless God gave her to me—

yes, and to know and understand by whom the grace is given—

I pleaded with the master and implored him, and with my whole heart I said: