And if a man loveth righteousness, the fruits of wisdom’s labour are virtues, for she teacheth soberness and understanding, righteousness and courage; and there is nothing in life for men more profitable than these. And if a man longeth even for much experience, she knoweth the things of old, and divineth the things to come: she understandeth subtilties of speeches and interpretations of dark sayings: she foreseeth signs and wonders, and the issues of seasons and times. I determined therefore to take her unto me to live with me, knowing that she is one who would give me good thoughts for counsel, and encourage me in cares and grief. Because of her I shall have glory among multitudes, and honour in the sight of elders, though I be young. I shall be found of a quick conceit when I give judgement, and in the presence of princes I shall be admired. When I am silent, they shall wait for me; and when I open my lips, they shall give heed unto me; and if I continue speaking, they shall lay their hand upon their mouth. Because of her I shall have immortality, and leave behind an eternal memory to them that come after me. I shall govern peoples, and nations shall be subjected to me. Dread princes shall fear me when they hear of me: among my people I shall shew myself a good ruler, and in war courageous. When I am come into my house, I shall find rest with her; for converse with her hath no bitterness, and to live with her hath no pain, but gladness and joy. When I considered these things in myself, and took thought in my heart how that in kinship unto wisdom is immortality, And in her friendship is good delight, and in the labours of her hands is wealth that faileth not, and in assiduous communing with her is understanding, and great renown in having fellowship with her words, I went about seeking how to take her unto myself. Now I was a child of parts, and a good soul fell to my lot; Nay rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled. But perceiving that I could not otherwise possess wisdom except God gave her me (yea and to know by whom the grace is given, this too came of understanding), I pleaded with the Lord and besought him, and with my whole heart I said, * * * * * =9= O God of the fathers, and Lord who keepest thy mercy, who madest all things by thy word; And by thy wisdom thou formedst man, that he should have dominion over the creatures that were made by thee, And rule the world in holiness and righteousness, and execute judgement in uprightness of soul; Give me wisdom, her that sitteth by thee on thy throne; and reject me not from among thy servants: Because I am thy bondman and the son of thy handmaid, a man weak and short-lived, and of small power to understand judgement and laws. For even if a man be perfect among the sons of men, yet if the wisdom that cometh from thee be not with him, he shall be held in no account.