Chapter 8 _{11 I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be admired in the sight of great men.12 When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure, and when I speak, they shall give good ear unto me: if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth.13 Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me.14 I shall set the people in order, and the nations shall be subject unto me.15 Horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of me; I shall be found good among the multitude, and valiant in war.16 After I am come into mine house, I will repose myself with her: for her conversation hath no bitterness; and to live with her hath no sorrow, but mirth and joy.17 Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered them in my heart, how that to be allied unto wisdom is immortality;18 And 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.19 For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit.20 Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.21 Nevertheless, 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 unto the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart I said,}

Chapter 9 _{1 O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things with thy word,2 And ordained man through thy wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creatures which thou hast made,3 And order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute judgment with an upright heart:4 Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne; and reject me not from among thy children:5 For I thy servant and son of thine handmaid am a feeble person, and of a short time, and too young for the understanding of judgment and laws.6 For though a man be never so perfect among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded.7 Thou hast chosen me to be a king of thy people, and a judge of thy sons and daughters:8 Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount, and an altar in the city wherein thou dwellest, a resemblance of the holy tabernacle, which thou hast prepared from the beginning.9 And wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was present when thou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable in thy sight, and right in thy commandments.10 O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of thy glory, that being present she may labour with me, that I may know what is pleasing unto thee.11 For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she shall lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.12 So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge thy people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat.13 For what man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think what the will of the Lord is?14 For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices are but uncertain.}