1-2. Like every human being, I am mortal. I am a descendant of that first man, who was made from the soil. I was conceived from the sperm of a man, in the pleasure of intercourse. For nine months my flesh took shape in the blood of my mother's womb.
3. When I was born, I came into the world like anyone else. I began to breathe the same air we all breathe; and like everyone else, the first sound I made was a cry.
4. I was wrapped in cloths and cared for.
5. No king ever began life differently.
6. For all of us, there is one way into life, and there is one way out.
7. Realizing that I was only human, I prayed and was given understanding. The spirit of Wisdom came to me.
8. I regarded her more highly than any throne or crown. Wealth was nothing compared to her.
9. Precious jewels could not equal her worth; beside Wisdom all the gold in the world is a handful of sand, and silver is nothing more than clay.
10. I valued her more than health and good looks. Hers is a brightness that never grows dim, and I preferred it to any other light.
11. When Wisdom came to me, all good things came with her. She brought me untold riches.
12. I was happy with them all, because Wisdom had brought them to me. I had not realized before that she was the source of all these things.
13. I was sincere in learning from her, and now I am glad to share what I learnt.