13. When I was young and innocent,I sought wisdom.
14. She came to me in her beauty,and until the end I will cultivate her.
15. As the blossoms yielded to ripening grapes,the heart’s joy,My feet kept to the level pathbecause from earliest youth I was familiar with her.
16. In the short time I paid heed,I met with great instruction.
17. Since in this way I have profited,I will give my Teacher grateful praise.
18. I resolved to tread her paths;I have been jealous for the good and will not turn back.
19. I burned with desire for her,never relenting.I became preoccupied with her,never weary of extolling her.I spread out my hands to the heavensand I came to know her secrets.
20. For her I purified my hands;in cleanness I attained to her.At first acquaintance with her, I gained understandingsuch that I will never forsake her.
21. My whole being was stirred to seek her;therefore I have made her my prize possession.
22. The Lord has rewarded me with lips,with a tongue for praising him.
23. Come aside to me, you untutored,and take up lodging in the house of instruction;
24. How long will you deprive yourself of wisdom’s food,how long endure such bitter thirst?
25. I open my mouth and speak of her:gain wisdom for yourselves at no cost.