King Solomon - Wisdom of Solomon (Wis. 6) lyrics

[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 a**urance 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 pa** by the truth; [23] neither will I travel in the company of sickly envy, for envy does not a**ociate 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.