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6:1  Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.
6:2  Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations.
6:3  For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High; he will search out your works and inquire into your plans.
6:4  Because as servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly, or keep the law, or walk according to the purpose of God,
6:5  he will come upon you terribly and swiftly, because severe judgment falls on those in high places.
6:6  For the lowliest may be pardoned in mercy, but the mighty will be mightily tested.
6:7  For the Lord of all will not stand in awe of anyone, or show deference to greatness; because he himself made both small and great, and he takes thought for all alike.
6:8  But a strict inquiry is in store for the mighty.
6:9  To you then, O monarchs, my words are directed, so that you may learn wisdom and not transgress.
6:10  For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness, and those who have been taught them will find a defense.
6:11  Therefore set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be instructed.
6:12  Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.
6:13  She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.
6:14  One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting at the gate.
6:15  To fix one’s thought on her is perfect understanding, and one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care,
6:16  because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought.
6:17  The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction, and concern for instruction is love of her,
6:18  and love of her is the keeping of her laws, and giving heed to her laws is assurance of immortality,
6:19  and immortality brings one near to God;
6:20  so the desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.
6:21  Therefore if you delight in thrones and scepters, O monarchs over the peoples, honor wisdom, so that you may reign forever.
6:22  I will tell you what wisdom is and how she came to be, and I will hide no secrets from you, but I will trace her course from the beginning of creation, and make knowledge of her clear, and I will not pass by the truth;
6:23  nor will I travel in the company of sickly envy, for envy does not associate with wisdom.
6:24  The multitude of the wise is the salvation of the world, and a sensible king is the stability of any people.
6:25  Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.