Hear therefore, ye kings, and understand;

2 Give ear, ye that have dominion over much people,

3 Because your dominion was given you from the Lord,

4 Because being officers of his kingdom ye did not judge aright,

5 Terribly and swiftly shall he come upon you;

6 For the man of low estate may be pardoned in mercy,

7 For the Sovereign Lord of all will not refrain himself for any man’s person,

8 But strict is the scrutiny that cometh upon the powerful.

9 Unto you therefore, O princes, are my words,

10 For they that have kept holily the things that are holy shall themselves be hallowed;

11 Set your desire therefore on my words;

12 Wisdom is radiant and fadeth not away;

13 She forestalleth them that desire to know her, making herself first known.

14 He that riseth up early to seek her shall have no toil,

15 For to think upon her is perfectness of understanding,

16 Because she goeth about, herself seeking them that are worthy of her,

17 For her true beginning is desire of discipline;

18 And love of her is observance of her laws;

19 And incorruption bringeth near unto God;

20 So then desire of wisdom promoteth to a kingdom.

21 If therefore ye delight in thrones and scepters, ye princes of peoples,

22 But what wisdom is, and how she came into being, I will declare,

23 Neither indeed will I take pining envy for my companion in the way,

24 But a multitude of wise men is salvation to the world,

25 Wherefore be disciplined by my words, and thereby shall ye profit.