Wisdom 9

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¹O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who have made all things with your word,

²And ordained man through your wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creatures which you have made,

³And order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute judgment with an upright heart:

⁴Give me wisdom, that sits by your throne; and reject me not from among your children:

⁵For I your servant and son of your handmaid am a feeble person, and of a short time, and too young for the understanding of judgment and laws.

⁶For though a man be never so perfect among the children of men, yet if your wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded.

⁷You have chosen me to be a king of your people, and a judge of your sons and daughters:

⁸You have commanded me to build a temple upon your holy mount, and an altar in the city wherein you dwell, a resemblance of the holy tabernacle, which you have prepared from the beginning.

⁹And wisdom was with you: which knows your works, and was present when you made the world, and knew what was acceptable in your sight, and right in your commandments.

¹⁰O send her out of your holy heavens, and from the throne of your glory, that being present she may labor with me, that I may know what is pleasing to you.

¹¹For she knows and understands all things, and she shall lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.

¹²So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge your people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat.

¹³For what man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think what the will of the Lord is?

¹⁴For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices are but uncertain.

¹⁵For the corruptible body presses down the soul, and the earthy tabernacle weighs down the mind that muses upon many things.

¹⁶And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and with labor do we find the things that are before us: but the things that are in heaven who has searched out?

¹⁷And your counsel who has known, except you give wisdom, and send your Holy Spirit from above?

¹⁸For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were reformed, and men were taught the things that are pleasing to you, and were saved through wisdom.