Rulers Are Urged to Seek Wisdom
1 Listen, then, you kings, and understand. Learn, you judges of the ends of the earth. 2 Listen, you rulers who rule over many people, and boast of the many nations you govern, 3 because your authority was given to you by the Lord, and your sovereignty by the Most High. He will examine your deeds, and will inquire about your plans, 4 because as officers of his kingdom, you didn’t judge rightly, nor did you keep the law, nor did you follow God’s counsel. 5 He will come against you swiftly and terrifyingly, because a stern judgment comes on those in high positions. 6 For a person of low standing may be pardoned in mercy, but powerful people will be mightily tested. 7 For the Sovereign Lord of all will not be impressed with anyone, nor will he show deference to greatness, because it is he who made both small and great, and cares about them all, 8 but the scrutiny that falls on the powerful is strict.
9 Therefore, my words are to you, princes, so that you may learn wisdom and not fall away. 10 For those who have kept holy things in a holy way will be made holy. Those who have been taught them will find what to say in defense. 11 Therefore desire my words. Long for them, and you will be instructed.
12 Wisdom is radiant and doesn’t fade away, and is easily seen by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. 13 She makes herself known in advance to those who desire her. 14 Anyone who gets up early to seek her won’t have difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates. 15 For to think about her brings complete understanding, and he who watches for her will quickly be free from worry, 16 because she herself goes around, seeking those who are worthy of her, appears graciously to them along their paths, and in every thought she meets them.
17 For her true beginning is desire for instruction, and care for instruction is love. 18 And love is observance of her laws. Paying attention to her laws confirms immortality. 19 Immortality brings closeness to God. 20 So then desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom. 21 So if you delight in thrones and scepters, you princes of peoples, honor wisdom, so that you may reign forever.
Wisdom Made Known
22 But I will explain what wisdom is and how she came into being. I won’t hide mysteries from you, but I will explore her origins, bring the knowledge of her into clear light, and I will not pass by the truth. 23 Indeed, I won’t travel with consuming envy, because envy has nothing in common with wisdom. 24 But a large number of wise people brings salvation to the world, and an understanding king brings stability for his people. 25 Therefore learn from my words, and you will benefit.
Texts in conversation
Compare Jesus Ben Sira, Sirach 10:1 and Wisdom of Solomon 6:24
Deuterocanon
Summary
Passages
Jesus Ben Sira, Sirach 10:1
Deuterocanon · Ben Sira, EcclesiasticusThe government of a man of understanding will be well ordered. 2 The officials of a people are like their judge.
A city’s inhabitants are like its ruler. 3 An undisciplined king will destroy his people.
A city will be established through the understanding of the powerful. 4 The government of the earth is in the Lord’s hand.
At the right time, he will raise up the right person to rule over it. 5 A man’s prosperity is in the Lord’s hand.
He will bestow his honor on the scribe.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:24
DeuterocanonI won’t hide mysteries from you,
but I will explore her origins,
bring the knowledge of her into clear light,
and I will not pass by the truth. 23 Indeed, I won’t travel with consuming envy,
because envy has nothing in common with wisdom. 24 But a large number of wise people brings salvation to the world,
and an understanding king brings stability for his people. 25 Therefore learn from my words,
and you will benefit.
References
References are not endorsements of their contents. Read each reference in full to understand its author's intentions in using these texts.
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