The Book of Wisdom or The Wisdom of Solomon 9

1O God of the fathers, and Lord who keep your mercy, Gr. Lord of your mercy. Compare 2 Samuel 7:15; Psalm 89:49. by your word; Gr. in. 2And by your wisdom you formedst man, 3And rule the world in holiness and righteousness, 4Give me wisdom, her that sits by you on your throne; Gr. thrones. servants: Or, children 5Because I am your bondman and the son of your handmaid, 6For even if a man be perfect among the sons of men, Yet if the wisdom that comes from you be not with him, he will be held in no account. 7You did choose me before my kindred to be king of your people, 8You gave command to build a sanctuary in your holy mountain, an altar in the city of your Or, a place of sacrifice habitation, Gr. tabernacling. 9And with you is wisdom, which knows your works, according to your commandments. Gr. in. 10Send her forth out of the holy heavens, with me, that I may learn what is well-pleasing before you. 11For she knows all things and has understanding thereof, ways of soberness, 12And so will my works be acceptible, throne. Gr. thrones. 13For what man will know the counsel of God? 14For the thoughts of mortals are timorous, The Greek text here is perhaps corrupt. 15For a corruptible body weighs down the soul, is full of cares. Or, muses upon many things 16And hardly do we divine the things that are on earth, Gr. conjecture. ever yet traced out? 17And who ever gained knowledge of your counsel, except you gave wisdom, Or, had given... and sent from on high? Gr. from the highest. 18And it was thus that the ways of them which are on earth were corrected,