2. Admonitions of divine Wisdom to the rulers of this world given in the sixth chapter of the "Book of Wisdom"
3. 1. Wisdom is better than strength and prudence is better
than courage.
2. Listen, therefore, kings, and understand. Learn, you
judges of the nations.
3. Hear this, you who rule the people and boast of the
large number of nations subject to you.
4. Remember you have received your power from the Lord
and your authority from the Most High, who will examine your
works and scrutinise your thoughts.
5. For, though ministers of his kingdom, you have not
judged fairly, nor observed the law of justice, nor walked
according to his will.
6. He will appear to you terribly and swiftly, because
those who rule others will be judged severely.
7. For God has more compassion for the lowly and they are
forgiven more easily, but the mighty will be punished
mightily.
8. God shows no partiality; he does not stand in awe of
anyone's greatness, because he himself made both the lowly and
the great and he is concerned for all alike.
9. But the great are threatened with greater punishment.
10. To you then, rulers, my words are directed so that
you may learn wisdom and may not go astray.
11. For they who perform just deeds will be considered
just and those who have understood what I teach will have a
valid defence.
12. Therefore, desire ardently to know my words, love
them and you will find instruction in them.
4. 13. Wisdom is resplendent and her beauty never fades.
Those who love her will have no trouble in recognising her;
and those who seek her will find her.
14. She anticipates those who desire her and makes
herself known first to them.
15. He who rises early to look for her will not be
disappointed, for she will be found sitting at his gate.
16. To reflect on Wisdom is the highest prudence and he
who foregoes sleep to possess her will soon be given repose.
17. For she goes around seeking those worthy of her,
graciously shows her ways to them, guides them and provides
for them with loving care.
18. The first step, then, towards acquiring Wisdom is a
sincere desire for instruction; the desire for instruction is
love; and love is the keeping of her laws.
19. Assiduous obedience to her laws assures a perfect
purity of soul.
20. And perfect purity brings one close to God.
21. Thus the desire for Wisdom leads to the everlasting
kingdom.
22. If then, rulers of nations, you delight in thrones
and sceptres, love Wisdom and you will reign eternally.
23. All you who rule over the peoples of the world,
love the insight given by Wisdom.
24. I will tell you now what Wisdom is and how she came
to be. I will not hide the secrets of God from you but I will
trace her right from the beginning. I will throw light upon
her and make her known and not hide the truth.
25. I will not imitate the man consumed with envy, for
the envious have nothing in common with Wisdom.
26. Multitudes of wise men will bring salvation to the
world, and a prudent king is a strong support for his people.
27. Accept, then, instruction from my words and you will
draw profit from them.
