17 When I considered these things inwardly,

and pondered in my heart

that in kinship with wisdom there is immortality,

18 and in friendship with her, pure delight,

and in the labors of her hands, unfailing wealth,

and in the experience of her company, understanding,

and renown in sharing her words,

I went about seeking how to get her for myself.

19 As a child I was naturally gifted,

and a good soul fell to my lot;

20 or rather, being good, I entered an undefiled body.

21 But I perceived that I would not possess wisdom unless God gave her to me—

and it was a mark of insight to know whose gift she was—

so I appealed to the Lord and implored him,

and with my whole heart I said: