Wisdom of Solomon 9:13–18

13 For who among men is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think what the will of God is?

14 For the thoughts of mortal men are fearful, and our counsels uncertain.

15 For the corruptible body is a load upon the soul, and the earthly habitation presseth down the mind that museth upon many things.

16 And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth: and with labour do we find the things that are before us. But the things that are in heaven, who shall search out?

17 And who shall know thy thought, except thou give wisdom, and send thy holy Spirit from above:

18 And so the ways of them that are upon earth may be corrected, and men may learn the things that please thee?

Wisdom of Solomon 9:13–18 — New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (NRSVue)

13 For who can learn the counsel of God?

Or who can discern what the Lord wills?

14 For the reasoning of mortals is worthless,

and our designs are likely to fail,

15 for a perishable body weighs down the soul,

and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind.

16 We can hardly guess at what is on earth,

and what is at hand we find with labor,

but who has traced out what is in the heavens?

17 Who has learned your counsel

unless you have given wisdom

and sent your holy spirit from on high?

18 And thus the paths of those on earth were set right,

and people were taught what pleases you

and were saved by wisdom.”

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