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Chapter 6

Exhortation to Seek Wisdom[a]

Hear, therefore, kings, and understand;(A)
    learn, you magistrates[b] of the earth’s expanse!
Give ear, you who have power over multitudes
    and lord it over throngs of peoples!
Because authority was given you by the Lord
    and sovereignty by the Most High,
    who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels!(B)
Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you did not judge rightly,
    and did not keep the law,[c]
    nor walk according to the will of God,
Terribly and swiftly he shall come against you,
    because severe judgment awaits the exalted—
For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy(C)
    but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test.
For the Ruler of all shows no partiality,
    nor does he fear greatness,(D)
Because he himself made the great as well as the small,
    and provides for all alike;
    but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.

To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed(E)
    that you may learn wisdom and that you may not fall away.
10 For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed will be found holy,
    and those learned in them will have ready a response.[d]
11 Desire therefore my words;
    long for them and you will be instructed.

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Footnotes

  1. 6:1–21 The first part of the book closes with an exhortation comparable to 1:1–15, and it leads into “Solomon’s” personal comments on wisdom in chaps. 7–9.
  2. 6:1 Kings…magistrates: note the inclusion with v. 21 (“kings”). The address to earthly powers is in accord with the opening (1:1), but the true audience remains the Jewish community.
  3. 6:4 Law: that of Moses; cf. 2:12; 6:10.
  4. 6:10 Response: a suitable plea before the great Judge. Cf. Prv 22:21; Jb 31:14; Hb 2:1; Sir 8:9.