Kings Should Seek Wisdom

1Listen therefore, O kings, and understand;

learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.

2Give ear, you that rule over multitudes,

and boast of many nations.

3For your dominion was given you from the Lord,

and your sovereignty from the Most High;

he will search out your works and inquire into your plans.

4Because as servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly,

or keep the law,

or walk according to the purpose of God,

5he will come upon you terribly and swiftly,

because severe judgement falls on those in high places.

6For the lowliest may be pardoned in mercy,

but the mighty will be mightily tested.

7For the Lord of all will not stand in awe of anyone,

or show deference to greatness;

because he himself made both small and great,

and he takes thought for all alike.

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

9To you then, O monarchs, my words are directed,

so that you may learn wisdom and not transgress.

10For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness,

and those who have been taught them will find a defence.

11Therefore set your desire on my words;

long for them, and you will be instructed.

Description of Wisdom

12Wisdom is radiant and unfading,

and she is easily discerned by those who love her,

and is found by those who seek her.

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

14One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty,

for she will be found sitting at the gate.

15To fix one's thought on her is perfect understanding,

and one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care,

16because she goes about seeking those worthy of her,

and she graciously appears to them in their paths,

and meets them in every thought.

17The beginning of wisdom6.17 Gk Her beginning is the most sincere desire for instruction,

and concern for instruction is love of her,

18and love of her is the keeping of her laws,

and giving heed to her laws is assurance of immortality,

19and immortality brings one near to God;

20so the desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.

21Therefore if you delight in thrones and sceptres, O monarchs over the peoples,

honour wisdom, so that you may reign for ever.

22I 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;

23nor will I travel in the company of sickly envy,

for envy6.23 Gk this does not associate with wisdom.

24The multitude of the wise is the salvation of the world,

and a sensible king is the stability of any people.

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