Wisdom 15

1 For the hope of the wicked is as dust, which is blown away with the wind, and as a thin froth which is dispersed by the storm: and a smoke that is scattered abroad by the wind: and as the remembrance of a guest of one day that passeth by. 2 But the just shall live for evermore: and their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the most High. 3 Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory, and a crown of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with his right hand he will cover them, and with his holy arm he will defend them. 4 And his zeal will take armour, and he will arm the creature for the revenge of his enemies. 5 He will put on justice as a breastplate, and will take true judgment instead of a helmet: 6 He will take equity for an invincible shield: 7 And he will sharpen his severe wrath for a spear, and the whole world shall fight with him against the unwise. 8 Then shafts of lightning shall go directly from the clouds, as from a bow well bent, they shall be shot out, and shall fly to the mark. 9 And thick hail shall be cast upon them from the stone casting wrath: the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the rivers shall run together in a terrible manner. 10 A mighty wind shall stand up against them, and as a whirlwind shall divide them: and their iniquity shall bring all the earth to a desert, and wickedness shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty. 12 Wisdom is better than strength: and a wise man is better than a strong man. 13 Hear, therefore, ye kings, and understand, learn ye that are judges of the ends of the earth. 14 Give ear, you that rule the people, and that please yourselves in multitudes of nations: 15 For power is given you by the Lord, and strength by the most High, who will examine your works: and search out your thoughts: 16 Because being ministers of his kingdom, you have not judged rightly, nor kept the law of justice, nor walked according to the will of God. 17 Horribly and speedily will he appear to you: for a most severe judgment shall be for them that bear rule. 18 For to him that is little, mercy is granted: but the mighty shall be mightily tormented. 19 For God will not except any man’s person, neither will he stand in awe of any man’s greatness: for he made the little and the great, and he hath equally care of all.