Wisdom's Call

Wisdom and understanding do raise their voice On the stands beside the paths they yell that you make a choice; At the gates of bazaars both do cry hoarse and loud, And wonder how orderly the world would be if all fools vowed To live according to their simple dictates, And leave all evil and unwholesome tastes. When shall the simple gain understanding and prudence, And the unknowing embrace a life of sense? The Almighty detests deeds devoid of reason, For His perfect nature is never perverse But just and fair in His rule over the universe; He thus like Him wants all men to be For nothing short of this can His heart please; Not even valued incense offered my men of hearts remiss! Choose understanding over quick silver And understanding over choice gold; All who these chose in the world of the old All possessed and lacked not a single thing, For nothing desirable can be compared with wisdom; It is the ferocious guard to watch your home, And your delicious meal in the face of hunger! Fear the Lord and hate all evil And it shall not destroy your grain any weevil; Hate the perversity of crooked and warped speech And among men of sense carve yourself a niche; Let counsel and sound speech be yours For these alone are limitless power To wield for help in the need's hour; When troubles and adversities betide, Wisdom is a sure place for you to hide. In wisdom are enduring honor and prosperity, Truest valor and freedom from all forms of temerity; It's the only scape from all shackles that engulf, Amnesty from all follies that grind! They rule with justice and without fear of overthrow The wise kings and princes who fear the Lord, Who marked the boundaries of the seas And demarcations of the dry world! He who fixed the clouds and the firmaments, Has with Him all treasured endowments; Blessed be those that keep His ways And many shall be their days That hearken to His wisdom, Obey His decrees plain and clear, And His hallowed name fear! Be not beguiled by the cacophony and the hubbub, The law of the Lord remains unshaken and superb; And the fear of the Creator remains the only refuge In the face of disaster and drowning deluge!