From ¹  the elder, ²  to an elect lady ³  and her children, whom I love in truth ⁴  (and not I alone, but also all those ⁵  who know the truth),

But now ¹  I ask you, lady (not as if I were ²  writing a new commandment ³  to you, but the one ⁴  we have had from the beginning), ⁵  that ⁶  we love one another.

“Sit silently! Go to a hiding place, ¹  O daughter of the Babylonians! Indeed, ²  you will no longer be called ‘Queen of kingdoms.’

You said, ‘I will rule forever as permanent queen!’ ¹  You did not think about these things; ²  you did not consider how it would turn out. ³ 

Wisdom ¹  calls out ²  in the street, she shouts loudly ³  in the plazas; ⁴ 

By wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth; ¹  he established the heavens by understanding. ² 

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

“I, wisdom, live with prudence, ¹  and I find ²  knowledge and discretion.

Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out its seven pillars. ² 

Kings leading armies run away – they run away! ¹  The lovely lady ²  of the house divides up the loot.

For wisdom will enter your heart, ¹  and moral knowledge ²  will be attractive ³  to you. ⁴ 

Blessed ¹  is the one ²  who finds ³  wisdom, and the one who obtains ⁴  understanding.

She has sent out her female servants; she calls out on the highest places ¹  of the city.

For because ¹  of me your days will be many, and years will be added ²  to your life.

Every wise woman ¹  builds ²  her household, ³  but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; it is known ¹  even in the heart ²  of fools.

The Lover to His Beloved: O you who stay in the gardens, my companions are listening attentively ¹  for your voice; let me be the one to ²  hear it! ³ 

Let the young woman whom the king finds most attractive ¹  become queen in place of Vashti.” This seemed like a good idea to the king, ²  so he acted accordingly.

The Maidens to The Beloved: Why is your beloved better than others, ¹  O most beautiful of women? Why is your beloved better than others, that you would command us in this manner?

Residents of Mareshah, ¹  a conqueror will attack you, ²  the leaders of Israel shall flee to Adullam. ³