1 “O God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy, who made all things by your word; (WEB) 2 and by your wisdom you formed man, that he should have dominion over the creatures that were made by you, (WEB) 3 and rule the world in holiness and righteousness, and execute judgment in uprightness of soul, (WEB) 4 give me wisdom, her who sits by you on your thrones. Don’t reject me from among your servants, (WEB) 5 because I am your servant and the son of your handmaid, a weak and short-lived man, with little power to understand judgment and laws. (WEB) 6 For even if a man is perfect among the sons of men, if the wisdom that comes from you is not with him, he will count for nothing. (WEB) 7 You chose me to be king of your people, and a judge for your sons and daughters. (WEB) 8 You gave a command to build a sanctuary on your holy mountain, and an altar in the city where you live, a copy of the holy tent which you prepared from the beginning. (WEB) 9 Wisdom is with you and knows your works, and was present when you were making the world, and understands what is pleasing in your eyes, and what is right according to your commandments. (WEB) 10 Send her from the holy heavens, and ask her to come from the throne of your glory, that being present with me she may work, and I may learn what pleases you well. (WEB) 11 For she knows all things and understands, and she will guide me prudently in my actions. She will guard me in her glory. (WEB) 12 So my works will be acceptible. I will judge your people righteously, and I will be worthy of my father’s throne. (WEB) 13 For what man will know the counsel of God? Or who will conceive what the Lord wills? (WEB) 14 For the thoughts of mortals are unstable, and our plans are prone to fail. (WEB) 15 For a corruptible body weighs down the soul. The earthy tent burdens a mind that is full of cares. (WEB) 16 We can hardly guess the things that are on earth, and we find the things that are close at hand with labor; but who has traced out the things that are in the heavens? (WEB) 17 Who gained knowledge of your counsel, unless you gave wisdom, and sent your holy spirit from on high? (WEB) 18 It was thus that the ways of those who are on earth were corrected, and men were taught the things that are pleasing to you. They were saved through wisdom.” (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 9:1–18
Semantically similar passages
Wisdom of Solomon 7:14–16
14 For she is a treasure for men that doesn’t fail, and those who use it obtain friendship with God, commended by the gifts which they present through discipline. (WEB) 15 But may God grant that I may speak his judgment, and to conceive thoughts worthy of what has been gi… (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 15:2–4
2 For even if we sin, we are yours, knowing your dominion; but we will not sin, knowing that we have been accounted yours. (WEB) 3 For to be acquainted with you is perfect righteousness, and to know your dominion is the root of immortality. (WEB) 4 For we weren’t led astray by a… (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 6:2–4
2 Give ear, you rulers who have dominion over many people, and make your boast in multitudes of nations, (WEB) 3 because your dominion was given to you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High. He will search out your works, and will inquire about your pla… (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 12:15–17
15 But being righteous, you rule all things righteously, deeming it a thing alien from your power to condemn one who doesn’t deserve to be punished. (WEB) 16 For your strength is the source of righteousness, and your sovereignty over all makes you to forbear all. (WEB) 17 For when… (WEB)
2 Baruch 38:1–2
1 And I prayed and said: 'O LORD, my Lord, Thou dost always enlighten those who are led by (2BA) 2 understanding. Thy law is life, and Thy wisdom is right guidance. Make known to me therefore (2BA)
Sirach 15:17–19
17 Before man is life and death. Whichever he likes, it will be given to him. (WEB) 18 For the wisdom of the Lord is great. He is mighty in power, and sees all things. (WEB) 19 His eyes are upon those who fear him. He knows every act of man. (WEB)
2 Esdras 5:37–39
37 Open for me the chambers that are closed, and bring out the winds for me that are shut up in them. Or show me the image of a voice. Then I will declare to you the travail that you asked to see.” (WEB) 38 And I said, “O sovereign Lord, who may know these things except h… (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 7:6–8
6 but all men have one entrance into life, and a common departure. (WEB) 7 For this cause I prayed, and understanding was given to me. I asked, and a spirit of wisdom came to me. (WEB) 8 I preferred her before sceptres and thrones. I considered riches nothing in comparison to he… (WEB)
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