² I loved her and sought her from my youth;
I desired to take her for my bride
and became enamored of her beauty.^(A)

⁵ If riches are a desirable possession in life,
what is richer than wisdom, the active cause of all things?^(A)

⁹ Therefore I determined to take her to live with me,
knowing that she would give me good counsel
and encouragement in cares and grief.^(A)

¹⁶ When I enter my house, I shall find rest with her,
for companionship with her has no bitterness,
and life with her has no pain but gladness and joy.^(A)