| 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; he will search out your works and inquire into your plans. |
| 4 | Because as servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly, or keep the law, or 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 may be pardoned in mercy, but the mighty will be mightily tested. |
| 7 | For 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. |
| 8 | But a strict inquiry is in store for the mighty. |
| 9 | To you then, O monarchs, my words are directed, so 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 | One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting at the gate. |
| 15 | To fix one’s thought on her is perfect understanding, and one 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 assurance 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, so that you may reign forever. |
| 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 pass by the truth; |
| 23 | nor will I travel in the company of sickly envy, for envy does not associate with wisdom. |
| 24 | The multitude of the wise is the salvation of the world, and a sensible king is the stability of any people. |
| 25 | Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit. |
