Single lesson
Wisdom of Solomon 6: Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority
Wisdom of Solomon 6:1–11; Wisdom of Solomon 6:12–21
This passage speaks directly to kings, judges and rulers. It says their authority comes from the Lord, so they must listen, learn wisdom and remember that God examines how they use power. This lesson also brings together Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule.
Before you teach
Wisdom of Solomon is part of the Catholic additional books. In this passage, the speaker addresses kings, judges, rulers and princes, urging them to hear, learn and desire wise words. The passage stays in the form of wisdom instruction and warning rather than telling a story.
Explain the central teaching of Wisdom of Solomon 6: Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority, using two details from the reading. This passage teaches that rulers receive authority from God and will face his strict and impartial judgment for how they govern. This passage teaches that seeking wisdom begins with a desire to learn and leads toward a life shaped by her ways.
Welcome: Wisdom of Solomon 6: Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority
5 minIntroduce “Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority”, “Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule” and locate Wisdom of Solomon 6:1–11; Wisdom of Solomon 6:12–21. This passage teaches that rulers receive authority from God and will face his strict and impartial judgment for how they govern. Invite each learner to name a detail or question they will listen for.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:1, Wisdom of Solomon 6:6, Wisdom of Solomon 6:11
Read and explain the passage
12 minRulers must answer to the giver of their authority (Wisdom of Solomon 6:1–11): The passage opens with commands: “hear”, “understand”, “learn” and “give ear”. The words are aimed at kings, judges, rulers and princes, especially those who govern many people and nations. Before any warning is given, they are told to listen carefully. Wisdom begins here with humble attention, not self-confidence in power or numbers.
Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule (Wisdom of Solomon 6:12–21): Wisdom is called radiant and unfading, showing her lasting worth. The passage says she is seen by those who love her and found by those who seek her. It even says she anticipates those who desire her, so seeking wisdom is not described as hopeless or hidden.
Read the selected verses together, pausing at “Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority”, “Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule”. Use the source reading below and check the explanation against the words of the passage.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:1, Wisdom of Solomon 6:2, Wisdom of Solomon 6:9, Wisdom of Solomon 6:12, Wisdom of Solomon 6:13
Discuss the details and their meaning
8 minUse the three questions below. Begin with “According to this passage, why should rulers listen and learn?” and allow time to find the supporting verses. This passage teaches that seeking wisdom begins with a desire to learn and leads toward a life shaped by her ways. Ask learners to explain which details support their answer and to identify a question they would like to explore further.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:3, Wisdom of Solomon 6:4, Wisdom of Solomon 6:18, Wisdom of Solomon 6:19, Wisdom of Solomon 6:20, Wisdom of Solomon 6:21
Make and respond: Wisdom comparison cards
12 minWork on “Wisdom of Solomon 6: Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority: Wisdom comparison cards”. Follow the materials and steps below, using “Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority”, “Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule” as reading headings. Each learner should include at least two accurate details and their verse references. Share one observation from the finished sheet and explain how it connects with the central teaching.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:1, Wisdom of Solomon 6:11, Wisdom of Solomon 6:21
Closing: return to Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule
3 minRevisit Wisdom of Solomon 6:12–21. Invite a learner to summarise what the group has learned about Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule and another to support the summary with a verse. Give learners a moment to complete their response sheet. They can share a question or, if appropriate for the group, join the optional prayer.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:12, Wisdom of Solomon 6:17, Wisdom of Solomon 6:21
Questions to explore
According to this passage, why should rulers listen and learn?
Look for the reason given in the passage: their dominion comes from the Lord, and he examines their works and plans.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:3
What failures does the passage name in rulers?
The text lists three failures plainly, so notice the exact wording rather than guessing other sins.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:4
How does the passage connect wisdom with ruling?
Follow the chain in verses 18 to 21 from laws to immortality, closeness to God, promotion to a kingdom, and the call for princes to honour wisdom.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:18, Wisdom of Solomon 6:19, Wisdom of Solomon 6:20, Wisdom of Solomon 6:21
Make, think or respond
Wisdom of Solomon 6: Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority: Wisdom comparison cards
What you’ll need
- plain paper or card
- pencils or pens
- a Bible or the source reading on this page
Try it together
- Fold a sheet into three panels or draw three columns. Label them “What the passage commends”, “What it warns against”, “The reason or outcome stated”.
- Read Wisdom of Solomon 6:1–11; Wisdom of Solomon 6:12–21. Use “Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority”, “Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule” as your reading headings and add a short quotation or detail with its verse reference to each panel.
- Compare your notes with a partner. Check that every quotation is accurate and every conclusion has support in the passage.
- Write a proposed everyday example beside one teaching. Label it as your example and explain which words in the text guided it.
The finished sheet keeps the details of Wisdom of Solomon 6: Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority connected to their Bible references and gives the group a way to explain what they noticed.
Adapt for your group
- For learners who need more support, prepare the reading headings “Rulers must answer to the giver of their authority”, “Seeking wisdom leads from instruction toward enduring rule” and let them match short quotations to the correct heading.
- For confident readers, compare two sections of Wisdom of Solomon 6:1–11; Wisdom of Solomon 6:12–21. Ask for a written explanation with two supporting references and one question that the text leaves open.
An optional closing prayer
“God, help us listen carefully as we read Wisdom of Solomon 6:1–11; Wisdom of Solomon 6:12–21. Help us understand what we have read, ask thoughtful questions and respond with care for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Wisdom of Solomon 6
1 Hear therefore, you kings, and understand. Learn, you judges of the ends of the earth.
2 Give ear, you rulers who have dominion over many people, and make your boast in multitudes of nations,
3 because your dominion was given to you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High. He will search out your works, and will inquire about your plans,
4 because being officers of his kingdom, you didn’t judge rightly, nor did you keep the law, nor did you walk according to God’s counsel.
5 He will come upon you awfully and swiftly, because a stern judgment comes on those who are in high places.
6 For the man of low estate may be pardoned in mercy, but mighty men will be mightily tested.
7 For the Sovereign Lord of all will not be impressed with anyone, neither will he show deference to greatness; because it is he who made both small and great, and cares about them all;
8 but the scrutiny that comes upon the powerful is strict.
9 Therefore, my words are to you, O princes, that you may learn wisdom and not fall away.
10 For those who have kept the things that are holy in holiness will be made holy. Those who have been taught them will find what to say in defense.
11 Therefore set your desire on my words. Long for them, and you princes will be instructed.
12 Wisdom is radiant and doesn’t fade away; and is easily seen by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.
13 She anticipates those who desire her, making herself known.
14 He who rises up early to seek her won’t have difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates.
15 For to think upon her is perfection of understanding, and he who watches for her will quickly be free from care;
16 because she herself goes around, seeking those who are worthy of her, and in their paths she appears to them graciously, and in every purpose she meets them.
17 For her true beginning is desire for instruction; and desire for instruction is love.
18 And love is observance of her laws. To give heed to her laws confirms immortality.
19 Immortality brings closeness to God.
20 So then desire for wisdom promotes to a kingdom.
21 If therefore you delight in thrones and sceptres, you princes of peoples, honor wisdom, that you may reign forever.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.