I openly sought wisdom in prayer; before the Temple I asked for her and will pursue her to the end of my days.

While she blossomed like a ripening cluster, my heart was delighted in her; my feet followed the right path, because from my youth I searched for her.

As soon as I began listening to her, she was given to me, and with her, much instruction.

With her help I made progress and I will glorify Him who gives me wisdom, for I decided to put it into practice and ardently seek what is good. I shall not regret it.

My soul has struggled to posses her. I have been attentive to observe the Law, and after my faults I have stretched out my hands to heaven and lamented my ignorance of her.

My love of her increased and I found her in repentance. It was through her from the beginning that I learned to posses my heart. She will not forsake me.

With my whole being I sought her; that is why I won what is best.

In return for this, the Lord has given me words to praise Him.

Come near, you who are without understanding and join her school.

Why do you say you are deprived of all this and that your souls are thirsty?

This is what I say: Buy this without money; put your neck under her yoke and let your minds receive instruction; it is very near and within your reach.

See for yourselves: my toil has been slight and I found deep rest.