Wisdom of Solomon
9:1 O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things with
thy word,
9:2 And ordained man through thy wisdom, that he should have dominion over
the creatures which thou hast made,
9:3 And order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute
judgment with an upright heart:
9:4 Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne; and reject me not from among
thy children:
9:5 For I thy servant and son of thine handmaid am a feeble person, and of a
short time, and too young for the understanding of judgment and laws.
9:6 For though a man be never so perfect among the children of men, yet if
thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded.
9:7 Thou hast chosen me to be a king of thy people, and a judge of thy sons
and daughters:
9:8 Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount, and an
altar in the city wherein thou dwellest, a resemblance of the holy
tabernacle, which thou hast prepared from the beginning.
9:9 And wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was present when
thou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable in thy sight, and
right in thy commandments.
9:10 O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of thy glory,
that being present she may labour with me, that I may know what is
pleasing unto thee.
9:11 For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she shall lead me
soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.
9:12 So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge thy people
righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat.
9:13 For what man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think
what the will of the Lord is?
9:14 For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices are but
uncertain.
9:15 For the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthy
tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth upon many things.
9:16 And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and with
labour do we find the things that are before us: but the things that are
in heaven who hath searched out?
9:17 And thy counsel who hath known, except thou give wisdom, and send thy
Holy Spirit from above?
9:18 For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were reformed, and men
were taught the things that are pleasing unto thee, and were saved
through wisdom.
