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But she reaches from one end to the other with full strength,
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I loved her and sought her from my youth.
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She glorifies her noble birth by living with God.
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For she is initiated into the knowledge of God,
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But if riches are a desired possession in life,
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And if understanding is effective, who more than[a] wisdom is an architect of the things that exist?
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If a man loves righteousness, the fruits of wisdom’s labour[b] are virtues,
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And if anyone longs for wide experience,
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Therefore I determined to take her to live with me,
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Because of her, I will have glory amongst multitudes,
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I will be found keen when I give judgement.
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When I am silent, they will wait for me.
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Because of her, I will have immortality,
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I will govern peoples.
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Dreaded monarchs will fear me when they hear of me.
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When I come into my house, I will find rest with her.
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When I considered these things in myself,
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and in her friendship is good delight,
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Now I was a clever child, and received a good soul.
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Or rather, being good, I came into an undefiled body.
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But perceiving that I could not otherwise possess wisdom unless God gave her to me—