8:19. And I was a witty child, and had received a good soul.
8:20. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body undefiled.
8:21. And as I knew that I could not otherwise be continent, except God gave it, and this also was a point of wisdom, to know whose gift it was, I went to the Lord, and besought him, and said with my whole heart:
Wisdom Chapter 9
Solomon's prayer for wisdom.
9:1. God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things with thy word,
9:2. And by thy wisdom hast appointed man, that he should have dominion over the creature that was made by thee,
9:3. That he should order the world according to equity and justice, and execute justice with an upright heart:
9:4. Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne, and cast me not off from among thy children:
9:5. For I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid, a weak man, and of short time, and falling short of the understanding of judgment and laws.