1Hear therefore, you kings, and understand. Learn, you judges of the ends of the earth.

2Give ear, you rulers who have dominion over many people,
and make your boast ¹³in multitudes of nations,

3because your dominion was given to you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High. He will search out your works, and will enquire about your plans,

4because 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.

5He will come upon you awfully and swiftly, because a stern judgement comes on those who are in high places.

6For the man of low estate may be pardoned in mercy, but mighty men will be mightily tested.

7For 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;

8but the scrutiny that comes upon the powerful is strict.

9Therefore, my words are to you, O princes, that you may learn wisdom and not fall away.

10For 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 defence.

11Therefore set your desire on my words. Long for them, and you princes will be instructed.

12Wisdom is radiant and doesn’t fade away; and is easily seen by those who love her,
and found by those who seek her.

13She anticipates those who desire her, making herself known.

14He who rises up early to seek her won’t have difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates.

15For to think upon her is perfection of understanding,
and he who watches for her will quickly be free from care;

16because 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.

17For her true beginning is desire for instruction; and desire for instruction is love.

18And love is observance of her laws. To give heed to her laws confirms immortality.

19Immortality brings closeness to God.

20So then desire for wisdom promotes to a kingdom.

21If therefore you delight in thrones and sceptres, you princes of peoples, honour wisdom, that you may reign forever.

22But 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.

23Indeed, I won’t travel with consuming envy, because envy will have no fellowship with wisdom.

24But a multitude of wise men is salvation to the world, and an understanding king is stability for his people.

25Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.