Wisdom of Solomon (Wis. 6)

[1] Listen therefore, O kings, and understand;
learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.

[2] Give ear, you that rule over multitudes,
and boast of many nations.

[3] For your dominion was given you from the Lord,
and your sovereignty from the Most High,
who will search out your works and inquire into your plans.

[4] Because as servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly,
nor keep the law,
nor walk according to the purpose of God,

[5] he will come upon you terribly and swiftly,
because severe judgment falls on those in high places.

[6] For the lowliest man may be pardoned in mercy,
but mighty men will be mightily tested.

[7] For the Lord of all will not stand in awe of any one,
nor show deference to greatness;
because he himself made both small and great,
and he takes thought for all alike.

[8] But a strict inquiry is in store for the mighty.

[9] To you then, O monarchs, my words are directed,
that you may learn wisdom and not transgress.

[10] For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness,
and those who have been taught them will find a defense.

[11] Therefore set your desire on my words;
long for them, and you will be instructed.

[12] Wisdom is radiant and unfading,
and she is easily discerned by those who love her,
and is found by those who seek her.

[13] She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.

[14] He who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty,
for he will find her sitting at his gates.

[15] To fix one's thought on her is perfect understanding,
and he who is vigilant on her account will
soon be free from care,

[16] because she goes about seeking those worthy of her,
and she graciously appears to them in their paths,
and meets them in every thought.

[17] The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere
desire for instruction,
and concern for instruction is love of her,

[18] and love of her is the keeping of her laws,
and giving heed to her laws is assurance of immortality,

[19] and immortality brings one near to God;

[20] so the desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.

[21] Therefore if you delight in thrones and scepters,
O monarchs over the peoples,
honor wisdom, that you may reign for ever.

[22] I will tell you what wisdom is and how she came to be,
and I will hide no secrets from you,
but I will trace her course from the beginning of creation,
and make knowledge of her clear,
and I will not pass by the truth;

[23] neither will I travel in the company of sickly envy,
for envy does not associate with wisdom.

[24] A multitude of wise men is the salvation of the world,
and a sensible king is the stability of his people.

[25] Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.