The Book of Wisdom or The Wisdom of Solomon 8

1But she reaches from one end Or, reaches from end onward to end mightily of the world to the other with full strength, graciously. Or, to good use 2Her I loved and sought out from my youth, 3She glorifieth her noble birth in that it is given her to live with God, 4For she is initiated into the knowledge of God, chooseth out Some authorities read deviseth for him. for him his works. 5But if riches are a desired possession in life, 6And if understanding works, The Greek text of this clause is perhaps corrupt. wisdom is an architect of the things that are? Gr. she. 7And if a man loves righteousness, The fruits of wisdom’s labor are virtues, Gr. Her labors are. 8And if a man longeth even for much experience, the things of old, and Some authorities read how to divine the things of old and the things to come. divineth the things to come: Gr. conjectures. 9I determined therefore to take her to me to live with me, give me good Or, hold counsel with me for good things, and... against cares and grief thoughts for counsel, encourage me in cares and grief. Or, exhort Or, advise 10Because of her I will have glory among multitudes, 11I will be found of a quick conceit when I give judgement, princes I will be admired. Or, mighty men 12When I am silent, they will wait for me; 13Because of her I will have immortality, 14I will govern peoples, 15Dread princes will fear me when they hear of me: my people I will show myself a good Gr. multitude. ruler, and in war courageous. 16When I am come into my house, I will find rest with her; 17When I considered these things in myself, 18And in her friendship is good delight, assiduous communing with her is understanding, Gr. practice of communion. 19Now I was a child of parts, and a good soul fell to my lot; Or, a goodly child 20Nay rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled. 21But perceiving that I could not otherwise possess This is the probable sense: the Greek text is perhaps defective. wisdom except God gave her me by whom the grace is given, this Gr. of whom is the grace. too came of understanding),