智慧書 第 8 章

But she reaches from one end of the world to the other with full strength, And ordereth all things graciously.

Her I loved and sought out from my youth, And I sought to take her for my bride, And I became enamoured of her beauty.

She glorifieth her noble birth in that it is given her to live with God, And the Sovereign Lord of all loved her.

For she is initiated into the knowledge of God, And she chooseth out for him his works.

But if riches are a desired possession in life, What is richer than wisdom, which works all things?

And if understanding works, Who more than wisdom is an architect of the things that are?

And if a man loves righteousness, The fruits of wisdom’s labor are virtues, For she teaches 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 knows the things of old, and divineth the things to come: She understands subtleties of speeches and interpretations of dark sayings: She foresees signs and wonders, and the issues of seasons and times.

I determined therefore to take her to 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 will have glory among multitudes, And honor in the sight of elders, though I be young.

I will be found of a quick conceit when I give judgement, And in the presence of princes I will be admired.

When I am silent, they will wait for me; And when I open my lips, they will give heed to me; And if I continue speaking, they will lay their hand upon their mouth.

Because of her I will have immortality, And leave behind an eternal memory to those who come after me.

I will govern peoples, And nations will be subjected to me.

Dread princes will fear me when they hear of me: Among my people I will show myself a good ruler, and in war courageous.

When I am come into my house, I will find rest with her; For converse with her has no bitterness, And to live with her has no pain, but gladness and joy.

When I considered these things in myself, And took thought in my heart how that in kinship to wisdom is immortality,

And in her friendship is good delight, And in the labors of her hands is wealth that fails 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 to 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 (Yes and to know by whom the grace is given, this too came of understanding), I pleaded with the Lord and implored him, and with my whole heart I said,