The Praise of Wisdom: For she is more beautiful than the sun and above all the order of stars: being compared with the light, she is found before it; for after this cometh night. But vice shall not prevail against wisdom. Wisdom reaches from one end to another mightily; and sweetly doth she order all things. In that she is conversant with God, she magnifies her nobility (noble or renown quality), yet the Lord of all things himself loved her.
For she is privy (participating in private and hidden secrets, the deep things) to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, and of the Father, and of Christ. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; she is a lover of his works.
If riches be a possession to be desired in this life, what is richer than wisdom that worketh all things? And if prudence works, who of all that are, is a more cunning workman than she? And if a man loves righteousness, her labors are virtues: for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude: which are such things as a man can have nothing more profitable in his life.
If a man desires much experience, she knows things of old and conjectures aright what is to come, she knows the subtleties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences (explain in detail). She knows the conclusion of the counsel of God (opinion based on facts, true formation and predestination of what is) she foresees signs and wonders, and events of seasons and times.
If riches be a possession to be desired in this life, what is richer than wisdom that worketh all things? And if prudence works, who of all that are, is a more cunning workman than she? And if a man loves righteousness, her labors are virtues: for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude: which are such things as a man can have nothing more profitable in his life.
If a man desires much experience, she knows things of old and conjectures aright what is to come, she knows the subtleties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences (explain in detail). She knows the conclusion of the counsel of God (opinion based on facts, true formation and predestination of what is) she foresees signs and wonders, and events of seasons and times.