1 But the one who gives his soul to reflecting on the law of the Most High will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients and devote himself to prophecies. 2 He will preserve the accounts of renowned men and enter into the turns of proverbs. 3 He will seek the hidden meanings of sayings and spend his time among the riddles of parables. 4 He will serve among great men and appear before rulers. He will travel through foreign nations, for he has tested what is good and evil among people. 5 He will set his heart on rising early before the Lord who made him. He will pray before the Most High, open his mouth in prayer, and plead concerning his sins. 6 If the great Lord is willing, he will be filled with a spirit of understanding. He will pour down words of wisdom and give thanks to the Lord in prayer. 7 He will direct his counsel and knowledge and reflect on the Lord’s secrets. 8 He will reveal the instruction he has received and boast in the law of the Lord’s covenant. 9 Many will praise his understanding, and it will never be erased. His memory will not depart, and his name will live from generation to generation. 10 Nations will recount his wisdom, and the assembly will declare his praise. 11 If he remains alive, he will leave a name greater than a thousand; if he rests in death, his name will be enough for him.
12 I will continue to recount what I have reflected on, for I am filled like the full moon.
13 Listen to me, holy children, and bud like a rose growing beside a flowing stream.
14 Give off fragrance like frankincense and blossom like a lily. Spread your fragrance, sing a song of praise, and bless the Lord for all his works.
15 Give greatness to his name and acknowledge him with praise, with songs from your lips and with harps. In praise you will say:
16 All the Lord’s works are very good, and every command will be fulfilled at its proper time. No one may say, “What is this? Why is that?” Everything will be sought out at its proper time.
17 At his word the water stood like a heap, and at the saying of his mouth the reservoirs of water appeared.
18 At his command everything he desires is done, and no one can diminish his rescue.
19 The works of all flesh are before him, and nothing can be hidden from his eyes.
20 He sees from age to age, and nothing is marvelous before him.
21 No one needs to say, “What is this? Why is that?” Everything was created for its purpose.
22 His blessing covered the dry land like a river and drenched it like a flood.
23 So the nations will inherit his wrath, just as he turned waters into salt water.
24 His ways are straight for the holy, but they are stumbling blocks for the lawless.
25 Good things were created from the beginning for the good, and evil things for sinners.
26 The chief necessities of human life are water, fire, iron, salt, fine wheat flour, milk, honey, the blood of the grape, oil, and clothing.
27 All these things are good for the devout, but they turn into evils for sinners.
28 Some spirits were created for vengeance, and in his fury he strengthened their blows. At the time of the end they pour out their strength and calm the wrath of the one who made them.
29 Fire, hail, famine, and death—all these were created for vengeance.
30 The teeth of wild beasts, scorpions, vipers, and the avenging sword destroy the ungodly.
31 They rejoice in his command, stand ready on earth when needed, and do not disobey his word when their time comes.
32 For this reason I was resolved from the beginning; I reflected on these things and left them in writing:
33 All the Lord’s works are good, and he will provide every need at its proper time.
34 No one can say, “This is worse than that,” for everything will prove good at its proper time.
35 Now praise with your whole heart and mouth, and bless the Lord’s name.