4 In swaddling clothes was I nursed, and with watchful cares.
5 For no king had any other first beginning;
6 But all men have one entrance into life, and a like departure.
7 For this cause I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and there came to me a spirit of wisdom.
8 I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, And riches I esteemed nothing in comparison of her.
9 Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, Because all the gold of the earth in her presence is a little sand, And silver shall be accounted as clay before her.
10 Above health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose to have her rather than light, Because her bright shining is never laid to sleep.