English Bible
Wisdom 8
Big screen- 1Wisdom reaches from one end to another mightily: and sweetly does she order all things.
- 2I loved her, and sought her out from my youth, I desired to make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty.
- 3In that she is conversant with God, she magnifies her nobility: yes, the Lord of all things himself loved her.
- 4For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, and a lover of his works.
- 5If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; what is richer than wisdom, that works all things?
- 6And if prudence work; who of all that are is a more cunning workman than she?
- 7And if a man love righteousness her labors are virtues: for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude: which are such things, as men can have nothing more profitable in their life.
- 8If a man desire much experience, she knows things of old, and conjectures aright what is to come: she knows the subtilties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she foresees signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and times.
- 9Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me, knowing that she would be a counsellor of good things, and a comfort in cares and grief.
- 10For her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, and honor with the elders, though I be young.
- 11I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be admired in the sight of great men.
- 12When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure, and when I speak, they shall give good ear to me: if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth.
- 13Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me.
- 14I shall set the people in order, and the nations shall be subject to me.
- 15Horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of me; I shall be found good among the multitude, and valiant in war.
- 16After I am come into my house, I will repose myself with her: for her conversation has no bitterness; and to live with her has no sorrow, but mirth and joy.
- 17Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered them in my heart, how that to be allied to wisdom is immortality;
- 18And great pleasure it is to have her friendship; and in the works of her hands are infinite riches; and in the exercise of conference with her, prudence; and in talking with her, a good report; I went about seeking how to take her to me.
- 19For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit.
- 20Yes rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.
- 21Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her, except God gave her me; and that was a point of wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I prayed to the Lord, and implored him, and with my whole heart I said,