Liber Sapientiae, 6

1. Audite ergo, reges, et intellegite; discite, iudices finium terrae.

1. Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.

2. Praebete aures, vos, qui continetis multitudines et placetis vobis in turbis nationum.

2. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations.

3. Quoniam data est a Domino potestas vobis et dominatio ab Altissimo, qui interrogabit opera vestra et cogitationes scrutabitur,

3. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into your plans.

4. quoniam, cum essetis ministri regni illius, non recte iudicastis nec custodistis legem neque secundum voluntatem Dei ambulastis.

4. Because as servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly, nor keep the law, nor walk according to the purpose of God,

5. Horrende et cito instabit vobis, quoniam iudicium durissimum his, qui praesunt, fiet;

5. he will come upon you terribly and swiftly, because severe judgment falls on those in high places.

6. exiguo enim conceditur misericordia, potentes autem potenter tormento interrogabuntur.

6. For the lowliest man may be pardoned in mercy, but mighty men will be mightily tested.

7. Non enim subtrahet personam cuiusquam Deus nec verebitur magnitudinem cuiusquam, quoniam pusillum et magnum ipse fecit, et aequaliter cura est illi de omnibus;

7. For the Lord of all will not stand in awe of any one, nor show deference to greatness; because he himself made both small and great, and he takes thought for all alike.

8. potentibus autem durum instat scrutinium.

8. But a strict inquiry is in store for the mighty.

9. Ad vos ergo, reges, sunt hi sermones mei, ut discatis sapientiam et non excidatis.

9. To you then, O monarchs, my words are directed, that you may learn wisdom and not transgress.

10. Qui enim custodierint iusta iuste, iustificabuntur; et, qui didicerint ista, invenient defensionem.

10. For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness, and those who have been taught them will find a defense.

11. Concupiscite ergo sermones meos, diligite illos et habebitis disciplinam.

11. Therefore set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be instructed.

12. Clara est et, quae numquam marcescit, sapientia; et facile videtur ab his, qui diligunt eam, et invenitur ab his, qui quaerunt illam.

12. Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.

13. Praeoccupat, qui eam concupiscunt, ut prior se ostendat illis.

13. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.

14. Qui de luce vigilaverit ad illam, non laborabit, assidentem enim illam foribus suis inveniet.

14. He who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates.

15. Cogitare ergo de illa sensus est consummatio; et, qui vigilaverit propter illam, cito securus erit.

15. To fix one's thought on her is perfect understanding, and he who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care,

16. Quoniam dignos se ipsa circuit quaerens et in viis ostendit se illis hilariter et in omni providentia occurrit illis.

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.

17. Initium enim illius verissima est disciplinae concupiscentia, cura vero disciplinae dilectio est,

17. The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction, and concern for instruction is love of her,

18. et dilectio custodia legum illius est, custoditio autem legum confirmatio incorruptionis est,

18. and love of her is the keeping of her laws, and giving heed to her laws is assurance of immortality,

19. incorruptio autem facit esse proximum Deo;

19. and immortality brings one near to God;

20. concupiscentia itaque sapientiae deducit ad regnum.

20. so the desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.

21. Si ergo delectamini sedibus et sceptris, o reges populi, colite sapientiam, ut in perpetuum regnetis.

21. Therefore if you delight in thrones and scepters, O monarchs over the peoples, honor wisdom, that you may reign for ever.

22. Quid est autem sapientia et quemadmodum facta sit, referam et non abscondam a vobis sacramenta Dei, sed ab initio nativitatis investigabo et ponam in lucem scientiam illius et non praeteribo veritatem.

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;

23. Neque cum invidia tabescente iter habebo, quoniam ista non erit particeps sapientiae.

23. neither will I travel in the company of sickly envy, for envy does not associate with wisdom.

24. Multitudo autem sapientium sanitas est orbis terrarum, et rex sapiens stabilimentum populi est.

24. A multitude of wise men is the salvation of the world, and a sensible king is the stability of his people.

25. Ergo accipite disciplinam per sermones meos, et proderit vobis.

25. Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.