VIII. 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 * ato make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty. 3 In that she is bconversant 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; cwhat is richer than wisdom, dthat worketh all things? 6 And if eprudence 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 qfortitude: 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 fdark sentences: she foreseeth signs and wonders, and the gevents of seasons and times. 9 Therefore I purposed hto take her to me bto live with me, knowing that she * would be a counseller 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, ithough I be young. 11 I shall be found of a quick conceit kin judgment, and shall be admired in the sight of lgreat men. 12 mWhen 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 nlay their hands upon their mouth. 13 Moreover oby 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 pthe 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 qvaliant in war. 16 * After I am come into mine house, I will repose myself with her: for her conversation hath no bitterness; and bto live with her hath no sorrow, but mirth and joy.

17 Now when I considered these things in myself, and rpondered them in mine heart, how that to be allied unto wisdom ois 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, sI came into a body undefiled. 21 Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise tobtain her, except God gave her me; and that was a point of wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I * uprayed unto the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart I said,