The Book of Wisdom or The Wisdom of Solomon 7

1I myself also am mortal, like to all, Many authorities read a mortal man. the man first formed, 2And in the womb of a mother was I moulded into flesh in the time of ten months, 3And I also, when I was born, drew in the common air, kindred earth, Gr. of like qualities. 4In swaddling clothes was I nursed, and with Gr. in. watchful cares. 5For no king had any other first beginning; 6But all men have one entrance into life, and a like departure. 7For this cause I prayed, and understanding was given me: God, and there came to me a spirit of wisdom. 8I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, 9Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, of the earth in her presence is a little sand, 10Above health and comeliness I loved her, 11But with her there came to me all good things together, 12And I rejoiced over them all because wisdom leads them; mother of them. Some authorities read first origin. 13As I learned without guile, I impart without grudging; 14For she is to men a treasure that fails not, obtain friendship with God, Gr. prepare for themselves. to him by the gifts which they through discipline present Gr. for the sake of the presents that come of discipline. to him. 15But to me may God give to speak with judgement, Or, according to his mind Or, according to my mind has been given Some authorities read is said. me; 16For in his hand are both we and our words; all acquaintance with various crafts. 17For himself gave me an unerring knowledge of the things that are, 18The beginning and end and middle of times, 19The circuits of years and the positions of stars; Or, constellations 20The natures of living creatures and the ragings of wild beasts, winds and the thoughts of men, Or, spirits 21All things that are either secret or manifest I learned, 22For she that is the architect of all things taught me, even wisdom. Alone in kind, manifold, Gr. Sole-born. 23Beneficent, loving toward man, 24For wisdom is more mobile than any motion; 25For she is a breath of the power of God, Gr. vapor. 26For she is an effulgence from everlasting light, 27And she, being one, has power to do all things; men friends of God and prophets. 28For nothing does God love save him that dwells with wisdom. 29For she is fairer than the sun, all the constellations of the stars: Gr. every arrangement of stars. to be before it; 30For to the light Gr. to this. of day succeedeth night,