Wisdom

No King Began in Any Other Way

I, too, am a mortal man like others, a descendant of the first human being formed from clay. My flesh was shaped in a mother’s womb;

her blood formed me over ten months from the seed of man, given in pleasure, the companion of sleep.

Once born, I breathed the air familiar to everyone; I fell on the earth, the same for all; my first cry was like that of other infants.

I was nourished, cared for, and wrapped in swaddling clothes;

indeed, no other king began life differently.

For there is only one way into life for everyone and one way out of it.

I prayed and was granted understanding; I asked sincerely, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.

I preferred her over scepters and thrones and considered wealth insignificant compared to her.

I valued her more than any precious jewel, for gold is mere grains of sand beside her, and silver is just mud.

I loved her more than wealth and beauty, even preferring her to light because her radiance never dies.

She brought all other good things with her—untold riches in her hands.

I rejoiced in everything that came with Wisdom without realizing she was their mother.

What I learned selflessly, I share freely without hiding her value;

for she is an endless treasure for humanity. Those who possess her gain God’s friendship, shown through the fruits of her discipline.

Wisdom Taught Me This

May God grant me the ability to speak with discernment and reflect in a way worthy of the gifts I have received, for he is the guide of Wisdom and the corrector of the wise.

For we are in God’s hands—our words, our understanding, and our technical knowledge included.

He has given me true knowledge of what exists, the world, and the properties of the elements.

He knows the beginning, the end, and the times in between—the alternation of solstices and the succession of seasons.

He understands the cycles of the year and the position of the stars.

He knows the natures of animal species, the ways of wild beasts, the power of spirits, human reasoning, and the varieties of plants and medicinal properties of roots.

I have come to know everything we see and everything hidden,

because Wisdom, who designed them all, has taught me.

Reflection of Eternal Light

In her, there is a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, multifaceted, subtle, active, concise, pure, and straightforward. It cannot be corrupted, loves what is good, and nothing can restrain it;

it is benevolent, loving humankind, steadfast, reliable, calm yet almighty. It sees everything and penetrates all spirits, no matter how intelligent, subtle, or pure they may be.

Wisdom, in fact, surpasses in mobility everything that moves, and because it is so pure, it pervades and permeates all things.

She is a breath of God’s power, a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; nothing impure can enter her.

She reflects eternal light, a spotless mirror of God’s actions, and an image of his goodness.

She is only one, yet Wisdom can do all things; and, being unchanged herself, she renews all things. She enters holy souls, making them prophets and friends of God,

for God loves only those who live with Wisdom.

She is indeed more beautiful than the sun and surpasses all the constellations; she outshines light,

for light gives way to night, but evil cannot overcome Wisdom.