in praise of Sophia

Friend, don't be angry at the Teacher's discipline,

nor lose your taste for his rebukes,

for the Teacher only corrects those whom he loves, 

as a mother watches constantly her favorite son.

The man who finds the ecstatic mother is a joyful man,

and the man who gains consciousness from her,

for the gain from her is better than gain from silver,

and the profit from that acquisition better than gold.

She is more precious than jewels,

and nothing you desire can compare with her.

She has long life in her right hand,

and riches and reputation in her left.

Along her path there is much pleasure,

and her path goes through the places of peace.

She is a tree of life for those who bring her inside,

those who hold her firmly inside are called happy.

The Secret One through the ecstatic mother founded the earth,

through consciousness he made the skies go around,

by secret knowledge the oceans broke open,

and the clouds let the dew down.

~ from Proverbs: 3:11-20

translated by Aaron Blon