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.