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 take pride in yourself over a multitude of nations.
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.
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;
5 He shall come upon you terribly and quickly, Because severe judgment falls on those who govern.
6 For the least is pardoned in mercy, But the powerful shall be strongly examined.
7 For the Master of all will not shrink back From any one's presence, Nor respect greatness; Because He Himself made both small and great, And cares for all alike.
8 But a strict inquiry is imminent for the mighty .
9 Therefore to you, O tyrants, my words are directed, That you may learn wisdom and not fall away.
10 For they will be made holy who keep holy things piously, And those who are taught holy things will find a defense.
11 Therefore long for my words; Yearn for them, and you will be instructed.
12 Wisdom is radiant and unfading And is easily perceived by those who love her; For she is found by those who seek her.
13 She comes upon those who long to know her beforehand.
14 He who rises early in the morning to seek her Will not grow weary, For he will find her sitting at his gates.
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;
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.
17 For the beginning of wisdom Is a very genuine desire for instruction, And careful attention to instruction is the love of her.
18 Now this love is the keeping of her laws, And giving heed to her laws is the assurance of incorruption;
19 And incorruption brings one near to God.
20 So desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.
21 Therefore if you take pleasure in thrones and scepters, O tyrants, Honor wisdom, that you may reign forever.
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,
23 Nor indeed travel with envy, which causes one to waste away, Because envy will have no share in wisdom.
24 But a multitude of wise men is the salvation of the world, And a prudent king is the stability of his people.
25 Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.