Wisdom 16

1 To you, therefore, O kings, are these my words, that you may learn wisdom, and not fall from it. 2 For they that have kept just things justly, shall be justified: and they that have learned these things, shall find what to answer. 3 Covet ye, therefore, my words, and love them, and you shall have instruction. 4 Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away, and is easily seen by them that love her, and is found by them that seek her. 5 She preventeth them that covet her, so that she first sheweth herself unto them. 6 He that awaketh early to seek her, shall not labour: for he shall find her sitting at his door. 7 To think, therefore, upon her, is perfect understanding: and he that watcheth for her, shall quickly be secure. 8 For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, and she sheweth herself to them cheerfully in the ways, and meeteth them with all providence. 9 For the beginning of her is the most true desire of discipline. 10 And the care of discipline is love: and love is the keeping of her laws: and the keeping of her laws is the firm foundation of incorruption: 11 And incorruption bringeth near to God. 12 Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to the everlasting kingdom. 13 If then your delight be in thrones, and sceptres, O ye kings of the people, love wisdom, that you may reign for ever. 14 Love the light of wisdom, all ye that bear rule over peoples. 15 Now what wisdom is, and what was her origin, I will declare: and I will not hide from you the mysteries of God, but will seek her out from the beginning of her birth, and bring the knowledge of her to light, and will not pass over the truth: 16 Neither will I go with consuming envy: for such a man shall not be partaker of wisdom. 17 Now the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the whole world: and a wise king is the upholding of the people. 18 Receive, therefore, instruction by my words, and it shall be profitable to you. 20 I myself am a mortal man, like all others, and of the race of him, that was first made of the earth, and in the womb of my mother I was fashioned to be flesh. 21 In the time of ten months I was compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure of sleep concurring. 22 And being born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, that is made alike, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do. 23 I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and with great cares. 24 For none of the kings had any other beginning of birth. 25 For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out. 26 Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me: 27 And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. 28 Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold, in comparison of her, is as a little sand; and silver, in respect to her, shall be counted as clay. 29 I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out.