“I will tell you
What wisdom is.
I will tell you
How she came to be.
I will hide no secrets from you.
But I will trace her course
From the beginning of creation.
I will make knowledge of her clear.
I will not pass by the truth.
I will not travel in the company
Of sickly envy.
Envy does not associate with wisdom.
The multitude of the wise
Is the salvation of the world.
A sensible king
Is the stability of any people.
Therefore
Be instructed by my words.
You will profit.”
Assuming the first person singular, probably as King Solomon, this author sets out to tell the developing history of wisdom (σοφία καὶ πῶς ἐγένετο). He was not going to hide any secrets or mysteries (μυστήρια). He was going to trace all of wisdom from the beginning of creation (γενέσεως). He was going to point this out clearly and truthfully. Envy (φθόνῳ) does not associate with wisdom (οὐ κοινωνήσει σοφίᾳ). The multitude of the wise will bring salvation to the world. A sensible king brings stability to the people. Therefore all can be instructed and gain from his words.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 