1 Wisdom rules the universeand keeps it in order.
2 Since the time I was young,I have loved and searchedfor Wisdom.I was charmed by her beautyand wanted her for my bride.
3 The Lord God of all loves her,and her glorious originbecomes even more glorious,because she lives with God.
4 She understands God's mysteriesand works together with him.
5 Wisdom is more desirablethan wealth— she makeseverything run smoothly.
6 Wisdom is more usefulthan knowledge—she designedeverything that is.
7 If you truly love what is right,learn from her,the source of all goodness:of justice and courage,understanding and self-control;all the important thingsthat help us live our lives.
8 Do you desire wide experience?Wisdom knows what has happenedand predicts the future;she knows the meaning of wordsand the answers to riddles.Wisdom knows in advancethe miracles God will workand all that will take place.
9 So I decided to bring Wisdomhome to live with me—she will offer good advice,as well as comfort in timesof suffering and grief.
10 She will bring me great honorfrom advisors and many others,even though I am young.
11 I will have sound judgmentand be admired by rulers.
12 They will wait for my opinion,then listen when I speak,and they will be amazedat my marvelous speeches.
13 Because of Wisdom,my name will live on forever.
14 I will rule many nations
15 and be a hero in battle;oppressive rulers will trembleat the mention of my name.
16 With Wisdom as my friend,I will live happily and at peace,with no bitter regrets.
17 I thought deeply about Wisdomand all that she offered—unending life
18 and perfect joybecause of her friendship;wealth and understandingbecause of her companionship;and fame because of her words.So I searched for Wisdom.
19 I was an intelligent child,born with a good soul—
20 rather, since my soul was good,it entered a perfect body.
21 I had the insight to realizeWisdom is the gift of God,and so with all my heartI prayed for Wisdom.