The Counsel that Divine Wisdom Gives to the Princes and Great Ones of the World

From the sixth chapter of the "Book of Wisdom"

3. [1] Wisdom is more to be valued than strength, and the prudent man is worth more than the courageous.

[2] You therefore, O kings, hear and understand; receive instruction, you judges of the whole earth.

[3] Give ear, you who govern the peoples and who glory in seeing a great number of nations under your rule.

[4] Consider that you have received this power from the Lord and this dominion from the Most High, who will examine your works and search the depths of your thoughts.

[5] Because, being the ministers of his Kingdom, you have not judged justly, you have not kept the law of justice, and you have not walked according to the will of God.

[6] He will appear to you in a terrible manner and in a short time, because those who rule over others will be judged with the utmost severity.

[7] For the lowly are shown more compassion and are more easily pardoned; but the mighty shall be mightily tormented.

[8] God will make no exception; he will not respect anyone's greatness, because he has made the great and the small alike and has equal care for all.

9. But the greatest are threatened with the greatest punishments.

10. It is to you therefore, O kings, that I address these words, so that you may learn Wisdom and not fall.

11. For those who have justly performed the works of justice shall be treated as just, and those who have learned what I teach will find a sure defense.

12. Have therefore an ardent desire for my words, love them, and you will find in them your instruction.

4. 13. Wisdom is full of light and her beauty never fades. Those who love her discover her easily, and those who seek her find her.

14. She anticipates those who desire her and shows herself to them first.

15. He who rises early in the morning to possess her will have no trouble, because he will find her seated at his door.

16. Thus to occupy one's mind with Wisdom is perfect prudence, and he who watches to acquire her will soon be at rest.

17. For she herself goes about on every side seeking those who are worthy of her; she shows herself to them graciously in her ways, and goes to meet them with all the care of her providence.

18. The beginning therefore of Wisdom is the sincere desire for instruction; the desire for instruction is love; love is the observance of her laws.

19. The attention to observe her laws is the strengthening of perfect purity of soul.

20. And this perfect purity brings man close to God.

21. Thus the desire for Wisdom leads to the eternal kingdom.

22. If therefore you take delight in thrones and scepters, O kings of the peoples, love Wisdom, so that you may reign forever.

23. Love the light of Wisdom, all you who govern the peoples of the world.

24. I shall now set forth what Wisdom is and what her origin has been; I shall not hide from you the secrets of God, but I shall trace her back to the beginning of her birth; I shall bring her to light and make her known, and I shall not conceal the truth.

25. I shall not imitate the man withered by envy, because the envious shall have no part in Wisdom.

26. Now the multitude of the wise is the salvation of the world, and a prudent king is the support of his people.

27. Receive therefore instruction by my words, and it will be profitable to you.