Wisdom is better than strength, and the wise better than the mighty. For wisdom hath a brightness and freshness that fadeth not, and her vision is easy for them that love her, and her finding is facile for them that seek her. And he who is early in seeking her shall not toil, for he shall find her sitting at his doors. For she goeth about seeking them that are hers, and appeareth unto them in the ways with a smile, and meeteth them whenever they ponder her.

And ye, O kings, listen and be discerning. And ye, O judges of the ends of the earth, take heed. I will not journey with him who melteth away with envy, for such a one hath no portion in wisdom. For the multitude of wise men is the salvation of the world, and a discerning king is the stability of his people.

Give ear, ye that preside over multitudes, and boast yourselves in the throngs of nations;

For your dominion is from the Lord, and your power from the Most High, who shall examine your works and inquire into your intentions.

For ye, being servants of His kingdom, have not judged rightly, nor kept the law, nor walked according to the will of God;

Therefore He shall appear unto you suddenly with a fearful manifestation, for a severe judgment shall pass upon rulers.

For the lowly is worthy of mercy, but the mighty shall be mightily examined.

And the Lord of all shall make no exception, nor stand in awe of greatness; for He made both small and great alike, and His care extendeth to all.

But upon the powerful there shall be a strict trial.

To you, O kings, I direct my speech, that ye may learn wisdom and not fall.

For they that keep holy that which is holy shall be sanctified, and they that learn these things shall find what they need.

Therefore seek my words and hold fast to them, that ye may be instructed.

For she anticipateth and revealeth herself to those who seek her early.

For musing upon her is the perfection of understanding, and he who watcheth for her shall quickly be free from care.

For the beginning of her is sincerity in seeking instruction.

And the seeking of instruction is love, and love is the keeping of the laws, and the observing of the laws is the steadfastness of purity.

And purity bringeth nigh unto God.

Therefore the desire of wisdom leadeth to the kingdom.

If then ye delight in thrones and scepters, O kings of the peoples, honor wisdom, that ye may reign forever.

And love the light of wisdom, O ye rulers of the peoples.

And I will tell you what wisdom is, and how she came forth, and I will not hide from you the mysteries; but I will trace her from the beginning of her being, and make her knowledge manifest, and I will not pass over any part of the truth.

Therefore be instructed by my words and profit thereby.