King Solomon - Wisdom of Solomon (Wis. 8) lyrics

[1] She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things well. [2] I loved her and sought her from my youth, and I desired to take her for my bride, and I became enamored of her beauty. [3] She glorifies her noble birth by living with God, and the Lord of all loves her. [4] For she is an initiate in the knowledge of God, and an a**ociate in his works. [5] If riches are a desirable possession in life, what is richer than wisdom who effects all things? [6] And if understanding is effective, who more than she is fashioner of what exists? [7] And if any one loves righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teaches self-control and prudence, justice and courage; nothing in life is more profitable for men than these. [8] And if any one longs for wide experience, she knows the things of old, and infers the things to come; she understands turns of speech and the solutions of riddles; she has foreknowledge of signs and wonders and of the outcome of seasons and times. [9] Therefore I determined to take her to live with me, knowing that she would give me good counsel and encouragement in cares and grief. [10] Because of her I shall have glory among the multitudes and honor in the presence of the elders, though I am young. [11] I shall be found keen in judgment, and in the sight of rulers I shall be admired. [12] When I am silent they will wait for me, and when I speak they will give heed; and when I speak at greater length they will put their hands on their mouths. [13] Because of her I shall have immortality, and leave an everlasting remembrance to those who come after me. [14] I shall govern peoples, and nations will be subject to me; [15] dread monarchs will be afraid of me when they hear of me; among the people I shall show myself capable, and courageous in war. [16] When I enter my house, I shall find rest with her, for companionship with her has no bitterness, and life with her has no pain, but gladness and joy. [17] When I considered these things inwardly, and thought upon them in my mind, that in kinship with wisdom there is immortality, [18] and in friendship with her, pure delight, and in the labors of her hands, unfailing wealth, and in the experience of her company, understanding, and renown in sharing her words, I went about seeking how to get her for myself. [19] As a child I was by nature well endowed, and a good soul fell to my lot; [20] or rather, being good, I entered an undefiled body. [21] But I perceived that I would not possess wisdom unless God gave her to me -- and it was a mark of insight to know whose gift she was -- so I appealed to the Lord and besought him, and with my whole heart I said: