1Hear therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of the ends of the earth.
2Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude of nations.
3For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.
4Because, being ministers of his kingdom, ye have not judged aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God;
5Horribly and speedily shall he come upon you: for a sharp judgment shall be to them that be in high places.
6For mercy will soon pardon the meanest: but mighty men shall be mightily tormented.
7For he which is Lord over all shall fear no man's person, neither shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he hath made the small and great, and careth for all alike.
8But a sore trial shall come upon the mighty.
9Unto you therefore, O kings, do I speak, that ye may learn wisdom, and not fall away.
10For they that keep holiness holily shall be judged holy: and they that have learned such things shall find what to answer.
11Wherefore set your affection upon my words; desire them, and ye shall be instructed.
12Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away: yea, she is easily seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her.
13She preventeth them that desire her, in making herself first known unto them.
14Whoso seeketh her early shall have no great travail: for he shall find her sitting at his doors.
15To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and whoso watcheth for her shall quickly be without care.
16For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth them in every thought.
17For the very true beginning of her is the desire of discipline; and the care of discipline is love;
18And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto her laws is the assurance of incorruption;