In Praise of Wisdom

1All wisdom is from the Lord,
   and with him it remains for ever.
²The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,
   and the days of eternity—who can count them?
³The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth,
   the abyss, and wisdom^*—who can search them out?
⁴Wisdom was created before all other things,
   and prudent understanding from eternity.^*
6The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?
   Her subtleties—who knows them?^*
8There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared,
   seated upon his throne—the Lord.
⁹It is he who created her;
   he saw her and took her measure;
   he poured her out upon all his works,
¹⁰upon all the living according to his gift;
   he lavished her upon those who love him.^*