17. Reflecting on these things,and considering in my heartThat immortality lies in kinship with Wisdom,
18. great delight in love of her,and unfailing riches in the works of her hands;And that in associating with her there is prudence,and fair renown in sharing her discourses,I went about seeking to take her for my own.
19. Now, I was a well-favored child,and I came by a noble nature;
20. or rather, being noble, I attained an unblemished body.
21. And knowing that I could not otherwise possess her unless God gave it—and this, too, was prudence, to know whose gift she is—I went to the Lord and besought him,and said with all my heart: