1
THE wise men will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients, and will be occupied in the prophets.
2
He will keep the sayings of renowned men, and will enter withal into the subtilties of parables.
3
He will search out the hidden meanings of proverbs, and will be conversant in the secrets of parables.
4
He shall serve among great men, and: appear before the governor.
5
He shall pass into strange countries: for he shall try good and evil among men.
6
He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High.
7
He will open his mouth in prayer, and will make supplication for his sins.
8
For if it shall please the great Lord, he will fill him with the spirit of understanding:
9
And he will pour forth the words of his wisdom as showers, and in his prayer he will confess to the Lord.
10
And he shall direct his counsel, and his knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate.
11
He shall shew forth the discipline he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.
12
Many shall praise his wisdom, and it shall never be forgotten.
13
The memory of him shall not depart away, and his name shall be in request from generation to generation.
14
Nations shall declare his wisdom, and the church shall shew forth his praise.
15
If he continue, he shall leave a name above a thousand: and if he rest, it shall be to his advantage.
16
I will yet meditate that I may declare: for I am filled as with a holy transport.
17
By a voice he saith: Hear me, ye divine offspring, and bud forth as the rose planted by the brooks of waters.