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Wisdom 8
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Chapter 8
1
She deploys her strength from one end of the earth to the other, ordering all things for good.
From Wisdom comes all that is desirable
2
She it was I loved and searched for from my youth; I resolved to have her as my bride, I fell in love with her beauty.
3
Her closeness to God lends lustre to her noble birth, since the Lord of All has loved her.
4
Yes, she is an initiate in the mysteries of God’s knowledge, making choice of the works he is to do.
5
If in this life wealth be a desirable possession, what is more wealthy than Wisdom whose work is everywhere?
6
Or if it be the intellect that is at work, where is there a greater than Wisdom, designer of all?
7
Or if it be virtue you love, why, virtues are the fruit of her labours, since it is she who teaches temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude; nothing in life is more serviceable to men than these.
8
Or if you are eager for wide experience, she knows the past, she forecasts the future; she knows how to turn maxims, and solve riddles; she has foreknowledge of signs and wonders, of the unfolding of the ages and the times.
Wisdom indispensable to rulers
9
I therefore determined to take her to share my life, knowing she would be my counsellor in prosperity, my comfort in cares and sorrow.
10
Through her, I thought, I shall be acclaimed where people gather and honoured, while still a youth, among the elders.
11
I shall be reckoned shrewd when I sit in judgement, in presence of the great I shall be admired.
12
They will wait on my silences, and pay attention when I speak; if I speak at some length, they will lay their hand on their lips.
13
By means of her, immortality shall be mine, I shall leave an everlasting memory to my successors.
14
I shall govern peoples and nations will be subject to me;
15
at the sound of my name fearsome despots will be afraid; I shall show myself kind to my people and valiant in battle.
16
When I go home I shall take my ease with her, for nothing is bitter in her company, when life is shared with her there is no pain, gladness only, and joy.
Solomon prepares to ask for Wisdom
17
Inwardly revolving these thoughts, and considering in my heart that immortality is found in being kin to Wisdom
18
pure contentment in her friendship, inexhaustible riches in what she does, intelligence in the cultivation of her society, and renown in the fellowship of her conversation, I went in all directions seeking by what means I might make her mine.
19
I was a boy of happy disposition, I had received a good soul as my lot,
20
or rather, being good, I had entered an undefiled body; but knowing I could not master Wisdom but by the gift of God – a mark itself of understanding, to know whose the bounty was – I turned to the Lord and entreated him, with all my heart I said:
Chapters of Wisdom
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
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