OET-RV WIS Chapter 9

9 “O God of my ancestors and master of mercy,

who made all things by your word;

2 and by your wisdom you formed man,

that he should have dominion over the creatures that were made by you,

3 and rule the world in holiness and righteousness,

and execute judgement in uprightness of soul,

4 give me wisdom, her who sits by you on your thrones.

Don’t reject me from among your[fn] servants,

5 because I’m your servant and the son of your handmaid,

a weak and short-lived man,

with little power to understand judgement and laws.

6 Because even if a man is perfect among the sons of men,

if the wisdom that comes from you isn’t with him, he’ll count for nothing.

7 You chose me to be king of your people,

and a judge for your sons and daughters.

8 You gave a command to build a sanctuary on your holy mountain,

and[fn] an altar in the city where you live,

a copy of the holy tent which you prepared from the beginning.

9 Wisdom is with you and knows your works,

and was present when you were making the world,

and understands what’s pleasing in your eyes,

and what’s right according to your commandments.

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.

11 Because she knows all things and understands,

and she’ll guide me prudently in my actions.

She’ll guard me in her glory.

12 So my works will be acceptable.

I’ll judge your people righteously,

and I’ll be worthy of my father’s[fn] throne.

13 Because what man will know God’s counsel?

Or who’ll conceive what the master wills?

14 Because the thoughts of mortals are unstable,

and our plans are prone to fail.

15 Because a corruptible body weighs down the soul.

The earthy tent burdens a mind that’s full of cares.

16 We can hardly guess the things that are on earth,

and we find the things that are close at hand with labour;

but who’s traced out the things that are in the heavens?

17 Who gained knowledge of your counsel, unless you gave wisdom,

and sent your holy spirit from on high?

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.”