Wisdom 8:20-9:12

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

²⁰ or rather, being good, I entered an undefiled body.
²¹ But I perceived that I would not possess wisdom unless God gave her to me—
and it was a mark of insight to know whose gift she was—
so I appealed to the Lord and implored him,
and with my whole heart I said:

9 “O God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy,
who have made all things by your word,
² and by your wisdom have formed humankind
to have dominion over the creatures you have made,
³ and rule the world in holiness and righteousness,
and pronounce judgment in uprightness of soul,
⁴ give me the wisdom that sits by your throne,
and do not reject me from among your servants.
⁵ For I am your servant^[a] the son of your serving girl,
a man who is weak and short-lived,
with little understanding of judgment and laws;
⁶ for even one who is perfect among human beings
will be regarded as nothing without the wisdom that comes from you.
⁷ You have chosen me to be king of your people
and to be judge over your sons and daughters.
⁸ You have given command to build a temple on your holy mountain,
and an altar in the city of your habitation,
a copy of the holy tent that you prepared from the beginning.
⁹ With you is wisdom, she who knows your works
and was present when you made the world;
she understands what is pleasing in your sight
and what is right according to your commandments.
¹⁰ Send her forth from the holy heavens,
and from the throne of your glory send her,
that she may labor at my side,
and that I may learn what is pleasing to you.
¹¹ For she knows and understands all things,
and she will guide me wisely in my actions
and guard me with her glory.
¹² Then my works will be acceptable,
and I shall judge your people justly,
and shall be worthy of the throne^[b] of my father.