1 Hear therefore, you kings, and understand.
2 Give ear, you rulers who have dominion over many people,
3 because your dominion was given to you from the Lord,
4 because being officers of his kingdom, you didn’t judge rightly,
5 He will come upon you awfully and swiftly,
6 For the man of low estate may be pardoned in mercy,
7 For the Sovereign Lord of all will not be impressed with anyone,
8 but the scrutiny that comes upon the powerful is strict.
9 Therefore, my words are to you, O princes,
10 For those who have kept the things that are holy in holiness will be made holy.
11 Therefore set your desire on my words.
12 Wisdom is radiant and doesn’t fade away;
13 She anticipates those who desire her, making herself known.
14 He who rises up early to seek her won’t have difficulty,
15 For to think upon her is perfection of understanding,
16 because she herself goes around, seeking those who are worthy of her,
17 For her true beginning is desire for instruction;
18 And love is observance of her laws.
19 Immortality brings closeness to God.
20 So then desire for wisdom promotes to a kingdom.
21 If therefore you delight in thrones and sceptres, you princes of peoples,
22 But what wisdom is, and how she came into being, I will declare.
23 Indeed, I won’t travel with consuming envy,
24 But a multitude of wise men is salvation to the world,
25 Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.