To Kings and Rulers
Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 1. Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; Learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 2. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, And take pride in yourself over a multitude of nations. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 3. For power was given to you from the Lord, And your lordship from the Most High, Who will make a careful search of your works And examine closely your plans. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 4. Because as servants of His kingdom, You did not judge rightly; Neither did you keep His law, Nor did you walk according to the plan of God; Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 5. He shall come upon you terribly and quickly, Because severe judgment falls on those who govern. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 6. For the least is pardoned in mercy, But the powerful shall be strongly examined. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 7. For the Master of all will not shrink back From anyone's presence, Nor respect greatness; Because He Himself made both small and great, And cares for all alike. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 8. But a strict inquiry is imminent for the mighty. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 9. Therefore to you, O tyrants, my words are directed, That you may learn wisdom and not fall away. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 10. For they will be made holy who keep holy things piously, And those who are taught holy things will find a defense. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 11. Therefore long for my words; Yearn for them, and you will be instructed.
Wisdom's Radiance
Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 12. Wisdom is radiant and unfading And is easily perceived by those who love her; For she is found by those who seek her. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 13. She comes upon those who long to know her beforehand. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 14. He who rises early in the morning to seek her Will not grow weary, For he will find her sitting at his gates. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 15. For to think deeply about her Is the perfection of discernment, And he who keeps watch for her Will soon be free from worry; Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 16. Because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, And she appears to them favorably in their paths And meets them in every thought. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 17. For the beginning of wisdom Is a very genuine desire for instruction, And careful attention to instruction is the love of her. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 18. Now this love is the keeping of her laws, And giving heed to her laws is the assurance of incorruption; Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 19. And incorruption brings one near to God. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 20. So desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 21. Therefore if you take pleasure in thrones and scepters, O tyrants, Honor wisdom, that you may reign forever. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 22. I will tell you what wisdom is and how she came to be, And I will hide no mysteries from you; But I will search her out from the beginning of creation And make her knowledge clear. I will not pass by the truth, Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 23. Nor indeed travel with envy, which causes one to waste away, Because envy will have no share in wisdom. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 24. But a multitude of wise men is the salvation of the world, And a prudent king is the stability of his people. Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 25. Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.