The Book of Wisdom

Chapters 1, 2

Love virtue, honesty and simplicity,
since God is found by people whose hearts are seeking goodness.

Selfishness, dishonesty and bad habits,
these close the door of our hearts and prevent Wisdom from entering.

Bad people persecute good people,
since the lives of good people are a reproach to bad people.

  

Lord, please help me to be a good person

  

Chapters 3 - 5

When good people die, they are in God's hands.
Even if they died a tragic death, they are at peace.

A long life is not what makes a person honorable.
Honor is due to anyone of any age who is wise and understanding.

On the other hand, arrogance and misuse of wealth
bring dishonor, in this life and in the next.

Our life is short. We must live it wisely and well.

  

Dear Lord, please help me to live my life wisely and not foolishly

  

Chapters 6, 7

Listen, rulers of the nations, govern with justice,
for you will be judged by the Lord.

Rulers, if you want to govern successfully,
seek Wisdom and she will guide your decisions.

A wise ruler is a blessing for his people.
The more wise people there are, the better our world will be.

When I, Solomon, became a ruler,
I prayed for Wisdom.

I prayed, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.
In Wisdom's company, all good things came to me.

  

Lord, please give me the gift of Wisdom

  

Chapters 8, 9

From my youth I sought and loved Wisdom.
Wisdom teaches us temperance, prudence, justice and fortitude.

I prayed for Wisdom like this:

"God of our ancestors and Lord of mercy,
in Wisdom you made all things.

Grant me Wisdom who was with you when you made the world.
May she teach me what is right,
so that I may be a good ruler.

  

Lord, please give me Wisdom, as you gave Wisdom to King Solomon

  

Chapters 10 - 19

Wisdom has been present in the world since the beginning of time.
Wisdom has always been a close friend of good people.

Wise people see God in the beauty of creation.
Foolish people are blind to God's presence in creation.

Wise people ponder God's goodness and kindness.
Wise people  try to be good and kind to other people.

  

Lord, please help me see and imitate your goodness and kindness