| I myself also am a mortal man, like as all other, and am come of the earthly generation of him that was first made, and in my mothers womb was I fashioned to be flesh: In the time of ten months was I brought together in blood through the seed of man, and the commodious appetite of sleep. When I was born, I received like air as other men, and fell upon the earth, ( which is my nature ) crying and weeping at first, as all other do. I was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and brought up with great cares. For there is no king that hath had any other beginning of birth. All men have one entrance unto life, and one going out in like manner.
Wherefore I desired, and understanding was given me: I called, and the spirit of wisdom came in to me. I set more by her then by kingdoms and royal seats, and counted riches nothing in comparison of her. As for precious stone I compared it not unto her: for all gold is but gravel unto her, and silver shall be counted but clay before her sight. I loved her above welfare and beauty, and purposed to take her for my light, for her shine can not be quenched. All good things come to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands. And I was glad in them all, for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she was the mother of all good things. Now as I myself learned unfainedly, so do I make other men partakers of her, and hide her riches from no man: For she is an infinite treasure unto men, which who so use, become partakers of the love and friendship of God, and are accepted unto him for the gifts of wisdom.
God hath granted me to talk wisely, and convenient to handle the things that he hath graciously lent me. For it is he, that leadeth unto wisdom, and teacheth to use wisdom and right. In his hand are we and our words: yee all our wisdom, our understanding and knowledge of all our works. For he hath given me the true science of these things: so that I know how the world was made, and the powers of the elements: The beginning, ending and midst of the times: how the times alter, how one goeth after another, and how they are fulfilled: the course of the year: the ordinances of the stars: the natures and kinds of beasts: the furriousness of beasts: the power of the winds: the imaginations of men: the diversities of young plants: the virtues of roots, And all such things as are secret and not looked for, have I learned. For the workmaster of all things hath taught me wisdom. In her is the spirit of understanding, which is holy, manyfold, one only, subtle, courteous, discreet, quick, undefiled, plain, sweet, loving the thing that is good, sharp, which forbiddeth not to do well, gentile, kind, steadfast, sure, free having all virtues, circumspect in all things: receiving all spirits of understanding, being clear and sharp. For wisdom is nimbler then all nimble things: she goeth through and attaineth to all things, because of her cleanness. For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure clean expressing of the clearness of Almighty God. Therefore can no undefiled thing come unto her: for she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the undefiled mirror of the majesty of God, and the image of his goodness. And for so much as she is one, she may do all things: and being steadfast herself she reneweth all, and among the people conveyeth she herself in to the holy souls. She maketh Gods friends and prophets: for God loveth no man, but him in whom wisdom dwelleth. For she is more beautiful then the Sun and giveth more light then the stars, and the day is not to be compared unto her: for upon the day cometh night. But wickedness can not overcome wisdom, and foolishness may not be with her. |
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