1 Wisdome reacheth from one ende to another mightily: and sweetly doeth she order all things.

2 I loued her and sought her out, from my youth I dedesired to make her my spouse, and I was a louer of her beautie.

3 In that she is conuersant with God, she magnifieth her nobilitie: yea, the Lord of all things himselfe loued her.

4 For she is priuy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, and a louer of his workes.

5 If riches be a possession to be desired in this life: what is richer then wisedome that worketh all things?

6 And if prudence worke; who of all that are, is a more cunning workeman then she?

7 And if a man loue righteousnesse, her labours are vertues: for she teacheth temperance and prudence: iustice and fortitude, which are such things as men can haue nothing more profitable in their life.

8 If a man desire much experience: she knoweth things of old, and coniectureth aright what is to come: shee knoweth the subtilties of speaches, and can expound darke sentences: she foreseeth signes and wonders, and the euents of seasons and times.

9 Therefore I purposed to take her to me to liue with mee, knowing that shee would be a counsellour of good things, and a comfort in cares & griefe.

10 For her sake I shall haue estimation among the multitude, and honour with the Elders, though I be yong.

11 I shall be found of a quicke conceit in iudgement, and shall be admired in the sight of great men.

12 When I hold my tongue they shal bide my leisure, and when I speake they shall giue good eare vnto me: if I talke much, they shall lay their handes vpon their mouth.

13 Moreouer, by the meanes of her, I shall obtaine immortalitie, and leaue behind me an euerlasting memoriall to them that come after me.

14 I shall set the people in order, and the nations shalbe subiect vnto me.

15 Horrible tyrants shall be afraide when they doe but heare of me, I shall be found good among the multitude, and valiant in warre.

16 After I am come into mine house, I will repose my selfe with her: for her conuersation hath no bitternes, and to liue with her, hath no sorrow, but mirth and ioy.

17 Now when I considered these things in my selfe, and pondered them in mine heart, how that to be allyed vnto wisedome, is immortalitie,

18 And great pleasure it is to haue her friendship, and in the workes 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 wittie child, and had a good spirit.

20 Yea rather being good, I came into a body vndefiled.

21 Neuerthelesse when I perceiued that I could not otherwise obtaine her, except God gaue her me (and that was a point of wisdome also to know whose gift she was) I prayed vnto the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart I said: