Wisdom 7:3-14

Common English Bible

³ When I was born, I gulped in the same air as everyone else. I dropped out onto the same earth that all people share. I let out my first cry that was just like the sound anyone else makes. ⁴ I was nurtured by snug clothes and good care. ⁵ No king has ever begun life any differently. ⁶ There’s only one way into life for everyone, and only one way out as well.

⁷ Because of this, I prayed, and the ability to reason wisely was given to me. I called out, and Wisdom’s spirit came to me. ⁸ I chose wisdom above all the symbols of royalty and over any throne. In comparison to her, I counted riches as nothing. ⁹ She was more precious to me than even a priceless jewel, since all the gold in the world would be nothing more than a little sand before her. All the silver would be just like clay in her presence. ¹⁰ I loved her more than health or beauty. I chose her above sunlight itself, for her brightness never sets.

¹¹ Yet then I found that every other good thing also came with her, for in her hands were countless riches. ¹² I rejoiced in all this because Wisdom brings them all in tow. I didn’t know that she had given birth to them. ¹³ I learned in innocence, and I don’t begrudge sharing it with you. I won’t conceal her riches. ¹⁴ She’s a never-ending treasure for humans. Those who possess her are ready to be God’s friends, commended for the gifts that come from instruction.