First Reading
Wisdom 6:1-11
- 1
Wisdom is better than strength, and a wise man is better than a strong man.
- 2
Hear therefore, ye kings, and understand: learn, ye that are judges of the ends of the earth.
- 3
Give ear, you that rule the people, and that please yourselves in multitudes of nations:
- 4
For power is given you by the Lord, and strength by the most High, who will examine your works, and search out your thoughts:
- 5
Because being ministers of his kingdom, you have not judged rightly, nor kept the law of justice, nor walked according to the will of God.
- 6
Horribly and speedily will he appear to you: for a most severe judgment shall be for them that bear rule.
- 7
For to him that is little, mercy is granted: but the mighty shall be mightily tormented.
- 8
For God will not except any man’s person, neither will he stand in awe of any man’s greatness: for he made the little and the great, and he hath equally care of all.
- 9
But a greater punishment is ready for the more mighty.
- 10
To you, therefore, O kings, are these my words, that you may learn wisdom, and not fall from it.
- 11
For they that have kept just things justly, shall be justified: and they that have learned these things, shall find what to answer.
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition · public domain · 73 books. Psalm numbers follow the Roman lectionary.