An address to princes to seek after wisdom: she is easily found by those that seek her.
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Hear therefore, you kings, and understand. Learn, you judges of the ends of the earth.
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Give ear, you rulers who have dominion over many people, and make your boast(a) in multitudes of nations,
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because your dominion was given to you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High. He will search out your works, and will inquire about your plans,
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because being officers of his kingdom, you didn’t judge rightly, nor did you keep the law, nor did you walk according to God’s counsel.
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He will come upon you awfully and swiftly, because a stern judgment comes on those who are in high places.
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For the man of low estate may be pardoned in mercy, but mighty men will be mightily tested.
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For the Sovereign Lord of all will not be impressed with anyone, neither will he show deference to greatness; because it is he who made both small and great, and cares about them all;
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but the scrutiny that comes upon the powerful is strict.
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Therefore, my words are to you, O princes, that you may learn wisdom and not fall away.
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For those who have kept the things that are holy in holiness will be made holy. Those who have been taught them will find what to say in defense.
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Therefore set your desire on my words. Long for them, and you princes will be instructed.
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Wisdom is radiant and doesn’t fade away; and is easily seen by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.
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She anticipates those who desire her, making herself known.
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He who rises up early to seek her won’t have difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates.
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For to think upon her is perfection of understanding, and he who watches for her will quickly be free from care;
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because she herself goes around, seeking those who are worthy of her, and in their paths she appears to them graciously, and in every purpose she meets them.
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For her true beginning is desire for instruction; and desire for instruction is love.
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And love is observance of her laws. To give heed to her laws confirms immortality.
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Immortality brings closeness to God.
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So then desire for wisdom promotes to a kingdom.
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If therefore you delight in thrones and sceptres, you princes of peoples, honor wisdom, that you may reign forever.
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But what wisdom is, and how she came into being, I will declare. I won’t hide mysteries from you; but I will explore from her first beginning, bring the knowledge of her into clear light, and I will not pass by the truth.
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Indeed, I won’t travel with consuming envy, because envy will have no fellowship with wisdom.
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But a multitude of wise men is salvation to the world, and an understanding king is stability for his people.
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Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.
Footnotes