A Short Introduction
The Wisdom of
Solomon is a Jewish wisdom book from the Apocrypha, written around 50 BCE,
likely in Greek by a Jewish author in Alexandria, Egypt. It blends Jewish
theology with Greek philosophy, emphasizing the superiority of divine wisdom
over worldly knowledge. The book warns against idolatry, praises righteousness,
and teaches about the immortality of the soul and divine justice. It also
reflects on Israel’s history, showing how God’s wisdom guided His people. It
was highly influential in early Christian thought, especially on ideas about
eternal life and God’s justice.
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CHAPTER 1
[1] Love
righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth, think ye of the Lord with a good
mind, and in singleness of heart seek ye him;
[2] Because he
is found of them that tempt him not, And is manifested to them that do not
distrust him.
[3] For crooked
thoughts separate from God; And the supreme Power, when it is brought to the
proof, putteth to confusion the foolish:
[4] Because
wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, nor dwell in a body enslaved to sin.
[5] For a holy
and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will rise and depart from
foolish thoughts, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness.
[6] For wisdom
is a kindly spirit and will not free a blasphemer from the guilt of his words;
because God is witness of his inmost feelings, and a true observer of his
heart, and a hearer of his tongue.
[7] Because the
Spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things
together knows what is said;
[8] therefore
no one who utters unrighteous things will escape notice, and justice, when it
punishes, will not pass him by.
[9] For inquiry
will be made into the counsels of an ungodly man, and a report of his words
will come to the Lord, to convict him of his lawless deeds;
[10] because a
jealous ear hears all things, and the sound of murmurings does not go unheard.
[11] Beware
then of useless murmuring, and keep your tongue from slander; because no secret
word is without result, and a lying mouth destroys the soul.
[12] Do not
invite death by the error of your life, nor bring on destruction by the works
of your hands;
[13] Because
God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living.
[14] For he
created all things that they might exist, and the generative forces of the
world are wholesome, and there is no destructive poison in them; and the
dominion of Hades is not on earth.
[15] For
righteousness is immortal.
[16] But
ungodly men by their hands and their words called death unto them; deeming him
a friend, they consumed away, and they made a covenant with him, because they
are worthy to be his portion.
CHAPTER 2
[1] For they
reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, Short and sorrowful is our life, and
there is no remedy when a man comes to his end, and no one has been known to
return from Hades. For they said within themselves, reasoning not aright, short
and sorrowful is our life; and there is no healing when a man cometh to his
end, and none was ever
[2] Because we
were born by mere chance, and hereafter we shall be as though we had never
been; because the breath in our nostrils is smoke, and reason is a spark kindled
by the beating of our hearts.
[3] When it is
extinguished, the body will turn to ashes, and the spirit will dissolve like
empty air.
[4] Our name
will be forgotten in time and no one will remember our works; our life will
pass away like the traces of a cloud, and be scattered like mist that is chased
by the rays of the sun and overcome by its heat.
[5] For our
allotted time is the passing of a shadow, and there is no return from our
death, because it is sealed up and no one turns back.
[6] “Come, therefore,
let us enjoy the good things that exist, and make use of the creation to the
full as in youth.
[7] Let
us take our fill of costly wine and perfumes, and let no flower of spring pass
by us.
[8] Let us
crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither.
[9] Let none of
us fail to share in our revelry, everywhere let us leave signs of enjoyment,
because this is our portion, and this our lot.
[10] Let us
oppress the righteous poor man; let us not spare the widow nor regard the gray
hairs of the aged.
[11] But let
our might be our law of right, for what is weak proves itself to be useless.
[12] “Let us
lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes
our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins
against our training.
[13] He
professes to have knowledge of God, and calls himself a child of the Lord.
[14] He became
to us a reproof of our thoughts;
[15] the very
sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of
others, and his ways are strange.
[16] We are
considered by him as something base, and he avoids our ways as unclean; he
calls the last end of the righteous happy, and boasts that God is his father.
[17] Let us see
if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life;
[18] for if the
righteous man is God’s son, he will help him, and will deliver him from the
hand of his adversaries.
[19] Let us
test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is, and
make trial of his forbearance.
[20] Let us
condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be
protected.”
[21] Thus they
reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them,
[22] and they
did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hope for the wages of holiness, nor
discern the prize for blameless souls;
[23] for God
created man for incorruption, and made him in the image of his own eternity,
[24] but
through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his
party experience it.
CHAPTER 3
[1] But the
souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.
[2] In the eyes
of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was accounted to
be their hurt,
[3] And their
journeying away from us to be their ruin: But they are in peace
[4] For even if
in the sight of men they be punished, their hope is full of immortality.
[5] And having
borne a little chastening, they shall receive great good; Because God made
trial of them, and found them worthy of himself.
[6] As gold in
the furnace he proved them, And as a whole burnt offering he accepted them.
[7] In the time
of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the
stubble.
[8] They shall
judge nations, and have dominion over peoples; And the Lord shall reign over
them for evermore.
[9] Those who
trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in
love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy
ones.
[10] But the ungodly will be punished as their reasoning deserves, who disregarded the righteous man and rebelled against the Lord;
[11] for
whoever despises wisdom and instruction is miserable. Their hope is vain, their
labors are unprofitable, and their works are useless.
[12] Their
wives are foolish, and wicked are their children;
[13] their offspring are accursed. For blessed is the barren woman who is undefiled, who has not entered into a sinful union; she will have fruit when God examines souls.
[14] Blessed
also is the eunuch whose hands have done no lawless deed, and who has not
devised wicked things against the Lord; for special favor will be shown him for
his faithfulness, and a place of great delight in the temple of the Lord.
[15] For the
fruit of good labors is renowned, and the root of understanding does not fail.
[16] But
children of adulterers will not come to maturity, and the offspring of an
unlawful union will perish.
[17] Even if they live long they will be held of no account, and finally their old age will be without honor.
[18] If they
die young, they will have no hope and no consolation in the day of decision.
[19] For the
end of an unrighteous generation is grievous.
CHAPTER 4
[1] Better than
this is childlessness with virtue, for in the memory of virtue is immortality,
because it is known both by God and by men.
[2] When it is
present, men imitate it, and they long for it when it has gone; and throughout
all time it marches crowned in triumph, victor in the contest for prizes that
are undefiled.
[3] But the
prolific brood of the ungodly will be of no use, and none of their illegitimate
seedlings will strike a deep root or take a firm hold.
[4] For even if
they put forth boughs for a while, standing insecurely they will be shaken by
the wind, and by the violence of the winds they will be uprooted.
[5] The
branches will be broken off before they come to maturity, and their fruit will
be useless, not ripe enough to eat, and good for nothing.
[6] For
children born of unlawful unions are witnesses of evil against their parents
when God examines them.
[7] But the
righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest.
[8] For old age
is not honored for length of time, nor measured by number of years;
[9] but
understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age.
[10] There was
one who pleased God and was loved by him, and while living among sinners he was
taken up.
[11] He was
caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceive his soul.
[12] For the
fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the
innocent mind.
[13] Being
perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years;
[14] for his
soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him quickly from the midst of
wickedness.
[15] Yet the
peoples saw and did not understand, nor take such a thing to heart, that God’s
grace and mercy are with his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.
[16] The righteous man who had died will condemn the ungodly who are living, and youth that is quickly perfected will condemn the prolonged old age of the unrighteous man.
[17] For they
will see the end of the wise man, and will not understand what the Lord
purposed for him, and for what he kept him safe.
[18] They will
see, and will have contempt for him, but the Lord will laugh them to scorn.
After this they will become dishonored corpses, and an outrage among the dead
for ever;
[19] because he
will dash them speechless to the ground, and shake them from the foundations;
they will be left utterly dry and barren, and they will suffer anguish, and the
memory of them will perish.
[20] They will
come with dread when their sins are reckoned up, and their lawless deeds will
convict them to their face.
CHAPTER 5
[1] Then the
righteous man will stand with great confidence in the presence of those who
have
afflicted him,
and those who make light of his labors.
[2] When they
see him, they will be shaken with dreadful fear, and they will be amazed at his
unexpected
salvation.
[3] They will
speak to one another in repentance, and in anguish of spirit they will groan,
and say,
[4] “This is
the man whom we once held in derision and made a byword of reproach — we fools!
We thought that his life was madness and that his end was without honor.
[5] Why has he
been numbered among the sons of God? And why is his lot among the saints?
[6] So it was
we who strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not
shine on us, and the sun did not rise upon us.
[7] We took our
fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction, and we journeyed through
trackless deserts, but the way of the Lord we have not known.
[8] What has
our arrogance profited us? And what good has our boasted wealth brought us?
[9] “All those
things have vanished like a shadow, and like a rumor that passes by;
[10] like a
ship that sails through the billowy water, and when it has passed no trace can
be found, nor track of its keel in the waves;
[11] or as,
when a bird flies through the air, no evidence of its passage is found; the
light air, lashed by the beat of its pinions and pierced by the force of its
rushing flight, is traversed by the movement of its wings, and afterward no
sign of its coming is found there;
[12] or as,
when an arrow is shot at a target, the air, thus divided, comes together at
once, so that no one knows its pathway.
[13] So we
also, as soon as we were born, ceased to be, and we had no sign of virtue to
show, but were consumed in our wickedness.”
[14] Because
the hope of the ungodly man is like chaff carried by the wind, and like a light
hoarfrost driven away by a storm; it is dispersed like smoke before the wind,
and it passes like the remembrance of a guest who stays but a day.
[15] But the
righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes
care of them.
[16] Therefore
they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the
Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will
shield them.
[17] The Lord
will take his zeal as his whole armor, and will arm all creation to repel his
enemies;
[18] he will
put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet;
[19] he will
take holiness as an invincible shield,
[20] and
sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight
against the madmen.
[21] Shafts of
lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a
well-drawn bow of clouds,
[22] and hailstones
full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult; the water of the sea will rage
against them, and rivers will relentlessly overwhelm them;
[23] a mighty
wind will rise against them , and like a tempest it will winnow them away.
Lawlessness will lay waste the whole earth, and evil-doing will overturn the
thrones of rulers.
CHAPTER 6
[1] Listen
therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.
[2] Give ear,
you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations.
[3] For your
dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High,
who will search out your works and inquire into your plans.
[4] Because as
servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly, nor keep the law, nor walk
according to the purpose of God,
[5] he will
come upon you terribly and swiftly, because severe judgment falls on those in
high places.
[6] For the
lowliest man may be pardoned in mercy, but mighty men will be mightily tested.
[7] For the
Lord of all will not stand in awe of any one, nor show deference to greatness;
because he himself made both small and great, and he takes thought for all
alike.
[8] But a
strict inquiry is in store for the mighty.
[9] To you
then, O monarchs, my words are directed, that you may learn wisdom and not
transgress.
[10] For they
will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness, and those who have been
taught them will find a defense.
[11] Therefore
set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be instructed.
[12] Wisdom is
radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is
found by those who seek her.
[13] She
hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.
[14] He who
rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for he will find her sitting
at his gates.
[15] To fix
one’s thought on her is perfect understanding, and he who is vigilant on her
account will soon be free from care,
[16] because
she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them
in their paths, and meets them in every thought.
[17] The
beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction, and concern for
instruction is love of her,
[18] and love
of her is the keeping of her laws, and giving heed to her laws is assurance of
immortality,
[19] and
immortality brings one near to God;
[20] so the
desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.
[21] Therefore
if you delight in thrones and scepters, O monarchs over the peoples, honor
wisdom, that you may reign for ever.
[22] I will
tell you what wisdom is and how she came to be, and I will hide no secrets from
you, but I will trace her course from the beginning of creation, and make
knowledge of her clear, and I will not pass by the truth;
[23] neither
will I travel in the company of sickly envy, for envy does not associate with
wisdom.
[24] A
multitude of wise men is the salvation of the world, and a sensible king is the
stability of his people.
[25] Therefore
be instructed by my words, and you will profit.
CHAPTER 7
[1] I also am
mortal, like all men, a descendant of the first-formed child of earth; and in
the womb of a mother I was molded into flesh,
[2] within the
period of ten months, compacted with blood, from the seed of a man and the
pleasure of marriage.
[3] And when I
was born, I began to breathe the common air, and fell upon the kindred earth,
and my first sound was a cry, like that of all.
[4] I was
nursed with care in swaddling cloths.
[5] For no king
has had a different beginning of existence;
[6] there is
for all mankind one entrance into life, and a common departure.
[7] Therefore I
prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of
wisdom came to me.
[8] I preferred
her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison
with her.
[9] Neither did
I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her
sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her.
[10] I loved
her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light,
because her radiance never ceases.
[11] All good
things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.
[12] I rejoiced
in them all, because wisdom leads them; but I did not know that she was their
mother.
[13] I learned
without guile and I impart without grudging; I do not hide her wealth,
[14] for it is
an unfailing treasure for men; those who get it obtain friendship with God,
commended
for the gifts
that come from instruction.
[15] May God
grant that I speak with judgment and have thought worthy of what I have
received, for he is the guide even of wisdom and the corrector of the wise.
[16] For both
we and our words are in his hand, as are all understanding and skill in crafts.
[17] For it is
he who gave me unerring knowledge of what exists, to know the structure of the
world and the activity of the elements;
[18] the
beginning and end and middle of times, the alternations of the solstices and
the changes of the seasons,
[19] the cycles
of the year and the constellations of the stars,
[20] the
natures of animals and the tempers of wild beasts, the powers of spirits and
the reasonings of men, the varieties of plants and the virtues of roots;
[21] I learned
both what is secret and what is manifest,
[22] for
wisdom, the fashioner of all things, taught me. For in her there is a spirit
that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted,
distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible,
[23] beneficent,
humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all, and
penetrating
through all spirits that are intelligent and pure and most subtle.
[24] For wisdom
is more mobile than any motion; because of her pureness she pervades and
penetrates all things.
[25] For she is
a breath of the power of God, and a pure emanation of the glory of the
Almighty;
therefore
nothing defiled gains entrance into her.
[26] For she is
a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an
image of his goodness.
[27] Though she
is but one, she can do all things, and while remaining in herself, she renews
all things; in every generation she passes into holy souls and makes them
friends of God, and prophets;
[28] for God
loves nothing so much as the man who lives with wisdom.
[29] For she is
more beautiful than the sun, and excels every constellation of the stars.
Compared with the light she is found to be superior,
[30] for it is
succeeded by the night, but against wisdom evil does not prevail.
CHAPTER 8
[1] She reaches
mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things
well.
[2] I loved her
and sought her from my youth, and I desired to take her for my bride, and I
became enamored of her beauty.
[3] She
glorifies her noble birth by living with God, and the Lord of all loves her.
[4] For she is
an initiate in the knowledge of God, and an associate in his works.
[5] If riches
are a desirable possession in life, what is richer than wisdom who effects all
things?
[6] And if
understanding is effective, who more than she is fashioner of what exists?
[7] And if any
one loves righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teaches self-control
and
prudence,
justice and courage; nothing in life is more profitable for men than these.
[8] And if any
one longs for wide experience, she knows the things of old, and infers the
things to come; she understands turns of speech and the solutions of riddles;
she has foreknowledge of signs and wonders and of the outcome of seasons and
times.
[9] Therefore I
determined to take her to live with me, knowing that she would give me good
counsel and encouragement in cares and grief.
[10] Because of
her I shall have glory among the multitudes and honor in the presence of the
elders, though I am young.
[11] I shall be
found keen in judgment, and in the sight of rulers I shall be admired.
[12] When I am
silent they will wait for me, and when I speak they will give heed; and when I
speak at greater length they will put their hands on their mouths.
[13] Because of
her I shall have immortality, and leave an everlasting remembrance to those who
come after me.
[14] I shall
govern peoples, and nations will be subject to me;
[15] dread
monarchs will be afraid of me when they hear of me; among the people I shall
show myself capable, and courageous in war.
[16] When I
enter my house, I shall find rest with her, for companionship with her has no
bitterness, and life with her has no pain, but gladness and joy.
[17] When I
considered these things inwardly, and thought upon them in my mind, that in
kinship with wisdom there is immortality,
[18] and in
friendship with her, pure delight, and in the labors of her hands, unfailing
wealth, and in the experience of her company, understanding, and renown in
sharing her words, I went about seeking how to get her for myself.
[19] As a child
I was by nature well endowed, and a good soul fell to my lot;
[20] or rather,
being good, I entered an undefiled body.
[21] But I
perceived that I would not possess wisdom unless God gave her to me — and it
was a mark of insight to know whose gift she was — so I appealed to the Lord
and besought him, and with my whole heart I said:
CHAPTER 9
[1] “O God of
my fathers and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things by thy word,
[2] and by thy
wisdom hast formed man, to have dominion over the creatures thou hast made,
[3] and rule
the world in holiness and righteousness, and pronounce judgment in uprightness
of soul,
[4] give me the
wisdom that sits by thy throne, and do not reject me from among thy servants.
[5] For I am
thy slave and the son of thy maidservant, a man who is weak and short-lived,
with little understanding of judgment and laws;
[6] for even if
one is perfect among the sons of men, yet without the wisdom that comes from
thee he will be regarded as nothing.
[7] Thou hast
chosen me to be king of thy people and to be judge over thy sons and daughters.
[8] Thou hast
given command to build a temple on thy holy mountain, and an altar in the city
of thy habitation, a copy of the holy tent which thou didst prepare from the
beginning.
[9] With thee
is wisdom, who knows thy works and was present when thou didst make the world,
and who understand what is pleasing in thy sight and what is right according to
thy commandments.
[10] Send her
forth from the holy heavens, and from the throne of thy glory send her, that
she may be with me and toil, and that I may learn what is pleasing to thee.
[11] For she
knows and understands all things, and she will guide me wisely in my actions
and guard me with her glory.
[12] Then my
works will be acceptable, and I shall judge thy people justly, and shall be
worthy of the throne of my father.
[13] For what
man 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 thy counsel, unless thou hast given wisdom and sent thy holy Spirit
from on high?
[18] And thus
the paths of those on earth were set right, and men were taught what pleases
thee, and were saved by wisdom.”
CHAPTER 10
[1] Wisdom
protected the first-formed father of the world, when he alone had been created;
she
delivered him
from his transgression,
[2] And gave
him strength to get dominion over all things.
[3] But when an
unrighteous man departed from her in his anger, he perished because in rage he
slew his brother.
[4] When the
earth was flooded because of him, wisdom again saved it, steering the righteous
man by a paltry piece of wood.
[5] Wisdom
also, when the nations in wicked agreement had been confounded, recognized the
righteous man
and preserved him blameless before God, and kept him strong in the face of his
compassion for
his child.
[6] While the
ungodly were perishing, wisdom delivered a righteous man, When he fled from the
fire that descended out of heaven on Pentapolis.
[7] Evidence of
their wickedness still remains: a continually smoking wasteland, plants bearing
fruit that does not ripen, and a pillar of salt standing as a monument to an
unbelieving soul.
[8] For because
they passed wisdom by, they not only were hindered from recognizing the good,
but also left for mankind a reminder of their folly, so that their failures
could never go unnoticed.
[9] Wisdom
rescued from troubles those who served her.
[10] When a
righteous man fled from his brother’s wrath, she guided him on straight paths;
she showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of angels; she
prospered him in his labors, and increased the fruit of his toil.
[11] When his
oppressors were covetous, she stood by him and made him rich.
[12] She
protected him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those who lay in wait
for him; in his arduous contest she gave him the victory, so that he might
learn that godliness is more powerful than anything.
[13] When a
righteous man was sold, wisdom did not desert him, but delivered him from sin.
She descended with him into the dungeon,
[14] and when
he was in prison she did not leave him, until she brought him the scepter of a
kingdom and authority over his masters. Those who accused him she showed to be
false, and she gave him everlasting honor.
[15] A holy
people and blameless race wisdom delivered from a nation of oppressors.
[16] She
entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, and withstood dread kings with
wonders and signs.
[17] She gave
holy men the reward of their labors; she guided them along a marvelous way, and
became a
shelter to them by day, and a starry flame through the night.
[18] She
brought them over the Red Sea, and led them through much water;
[19] But she
drowned their enemies, and cast them up from the depth of the sea.
[20] Therefore
the righteous spoiled the ungodly; And they sang praise to thy holy name, O
Lord, And extolled with one accord thy hand that fought for them:
[21] Because
wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of babes speak
clearly.
CHAPTER 11
[1] She
prospered their works in the hand of a holy prophet.
[2] They
journeyed through an uninhabited wilderness, and pitched their tents in
untrodden places.
[3] They
withstood their enemies and fought off their foes.
[4] When they
thirsted they called upon thee, and water was given them out of flinty rock,
and slaking of thirst from hard stone.
[5] For through
the very things by which their enemies were punished, they themselves received
benefit in
their need.
[6] Instead of
the fountain of an ever-flowing river, stirred up and defiled with blood
[7] in rebuke
for the decree to slay the infants, thou gavest them abundant water
unexpectedly,
[8] showing by
their thirst at that time how thou didst punish their enemies.
[9] For when
they were tried, though they were being disciplined in mercy, they learned how
the
ungodly were
tormented when judged in wrath.
[10] For thou
didst test them as a father does in warning, but thou didst examine the ungodly
as a stern king does in condemnation.
[11] Whether
absent or present, they were equally distressed,
[12] For a
double grief took hold on them, And a groaning at the remembrance of things
past.
[13] For when
they heard that through their own punishments the righteous had received
benefit, they perceived it was the Lord’s doing.
[14] For though
they had mockingly rejected him who long before had been cast out and exposed,
at the end of the events they marveled at him, for their thirst was not like
that of the righteous.
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[15] In return
for their foolish and wicked thoughts, which led them astray to worship
irrational serpents and worthless animals, thou didst send upon them a
multitude of irrational creatures to punish them,
[16] That they
might learn, that by what things a man sinneth, by these he is punished.
[17] For thy
all-powerful hand, which created the world out of formless matter, did not lack
the means to send upon them a multitude of bears, or bold lions,
[18] or newly
created unknown beasts full of rage, or such as breathe out fiery breath, or
belch forth a thick pall of smoke, or flash terrible sparks from their eyes;
[19] Which had
power not only to consume them by their violence, But to destroy them even by
the error of their sight.
[20] Even apart
from these, men could fall at a single breath when pursued by justice and
scattered by the breath of thy power. But thou hast arranged all things by
measure and number and weight.
[21] For it is
always in thy power to show great strength, and who can withstand the might of
thy arm?
[22] Because
the whole world before thee is like a speck that tips the scales, and like a
drop of
morning dew
that falls upon the ground.
[23] But thou
art merciful to all, for thou canst do all things, and thou dost overlook men’s
sins, that they may repent.
[24] For thou
lovest all things that exist, and hast loathing for none of the things which
thou hast made, for thou wouldst not have made anything if thou hadst hated it.
[25] How would
anything have endured if thou hadst not willed it? Or how would anything not
called forth by thee have been preserved?
[26] Thou
sparest all things, for they are thine, O Lord who lovest the living.
CHAPTER 12
[1] For thine
incorruptible spirit is in all things.
[2] Therefore
thou dost correct little by little those who trespass, and dost remind and warn
them of the things wherein they sin, that they may be freed from wickedness and
put their trust in thee, O Lord.
[3] For verily
the old inhabitants of thy holy land.
[4] Hating them
because they practised detestable works of enchantments and unholy rites.
[5] Merciless
slaughters of children, and sacrificial banquets of men’s flesh and of blood,
[6] These parents
who murder helpless lives, thou didst will to destroy by the hands of our
fathers,
[7] that the
land most precious of all to thee might receive a worthy colony of the servants
of God.
[8] But even
these thou didst spare, since they were but men, and didst send wasps as
forerunners of thy army, to destroy them little by little,
[9] though thou
wast not unable to give the ungodly into the hands of the righteous in battle,
or to destroy them at one blow by dread wild beasts or thy stern word.
[10] But
judging them little by little thou gavest them a chance to repent, though thou
wast not
unaware that
their origin was evil and their wickedness inborn, and that their way of
thinking would never change.
[11] For they
were an accursed race from the beginning, and it was not through fear of any
one that thou didst leave them unpunished for their sins.
[12] For who
will say, “What hast thou done?” Or will resist thy judgment? Who will accuse
thee for the destruction of nations which thou didst make? Or who will come
before thee to plead as an advocate for unrighteous men?
[13] For
neither is there any god besides thee, whose care is for all men, to whom thou
shouldst prove that thou hast not judged unjustly;
[14] nor can
any king or monarch confront thee about those whom thou hast punished.
[15] Thou art
righteous and rulest all things righteously, deeming it alien to thy power to
condemn him who does not deserve to be punished.
[16] For thy
strength is the source of righteousness, and thy sovereignty over all causes
thee to spare all.
[17] For thou
dost show thy strength when men doubt the completeness of thy power, and dost
rebuke any insolence among those who know it.
[18] Thou who
art sovereign in strength dost judge with mildness, and with great forbearance
thou dost govern us; for thou hast power to act whenever thou dost choose.
[19] Through
such works thou has taught thy people that the righteous man must be kind, and
thou hast filled thy sons with good hope, because thou givest repentance for
sins.
[20] For if
thou didst punish with such great care and indulgence the enemies of thy servants
and those deserving of death, granting them time and opportunity to give up
their wickedness,
[21] with what
strictness thou hast judged thy sons, to whose fathers thou gavest oaths and
covenants full of good promises!
[22] So while
chastening us thou scourgest our enemies ten thousand times more, so that we
may meditate upon thy goodness when we judge, and when we are judged we may
expect mercy.
[23] Therefore
those who in folly of life lived unrighteously thou didst torment through their
own abominations.
[24] For they
went far astray on the paths of error, accepting as gods those animals which
even their enemies despised; they were deceived like foolish babes.
[25] Therefore,
as to thoughtless children, thou didst send thy judgment to mock them.
[26] But those
who have not heeded the warning of light rebukes will experience the deserved
judgment of
God.
[27] For when
in their suffering they became incensed at those creatures which they had
thought to be gods, being punished by means of them, they saw and recognized as
the true God him whom they had before refused to know. Therefore the utmost
condemnation came upon them.
CHAPTER 13
[1] For all men
who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature; and they were unable from the
good things that are seen to know him who exists, nor did they recognize the
craftsman while paying heed to his works;
[2] but they
supposed that either fire or wind or swift air, or the circle of the stars, or
turbulent water, or the luminaries of heaven were the gods that rule the world.
[3] If through
delight in the beauty of these things men assumed them to be gods, let them
know how much better than these is their Lord, for the author of beauty created
them.
[4] And if men
were amazed at their power and working, let them perceive from them how much
more powerful is he who formed them.
[5] For from
the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of
their Creator.
[6] Yet these
men are little to be blamed, for perhaps they go astray while seeking God and
desiring to find him.
[7] For as they
live among his works they keep searching, and they trust in what they see,
because the things that are seen are beautiful.
[8] Yet again,
not even they are to be excused;
[9] for if they
had the power to know so much that they could investigate the world, how did
they fail to find sooner the Lord of these things?
[10] But
miserable, with their hopes set on dead things, are the men who give the name
“gods” to the works of men’s hands, gold and silver fashioned with skill, and
likenesses of animals, or a useless stone, the work of an ancient hand.
[11] A skilled
woodcutter may saw down a tree easy to handle and skilfully strip off all its
bark, and then with pleasing workmanship make a useful vessel that serves
life’s needs,
[12] and burn
the castoff pieces of his work to prepare his food, and eat his fill.
[13] But a
castoff piece from among them, useful for nothing, a stick crooked and full of
knots, he takes and carves with care in his leisure, and shapes it with skill
gained in idleness; he forms it like the image of a man,
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[14] or makes
it like some worthless animal, giving it a coat of red paint and coloring its
surface red and covering every blemish in it with paint;
[15] then he
makes for it a niche that befits it, and sets it in the wall, and fastens it
there with iron.
[16] So he
takes thought for it, that it may not fall, because he knows that it cannot
help itself, for it is only an image and has need of help.
[17] When he
prays about possessions and his marriage and children, he is not ashamed to
address a lifeless thing.
[18] For health
he appeals to a thing that is weak; for life he prays to a thing that is dead;
for aid he entreats a thing that is utterly inexperienced; for a prosperous
journey, a thing that cannot take a step;
[19] for
money-making and work and success with his hands he asks strength of a thing
whose hands have no strength.
CHAPTER 14
[1] Again, one
preparing to sail and about to voyage over raging waves calls upon a piece of
wood
more fragile
than the ship which carries him.
[2] For it was
desire for gain that planned that vessel, and wisdom was the craftsman who
built it;
[3] but it is
thy providence, O Father, that steers its course, because thou hast given it a
path in the sea, and a safe way through the waves,
[4] showing
that thou canst save from every danger, so that even if a man lacks skill, he
may put to sea.
[5] It is thy
will that works of thy wisdom should not be without effect; therefore men trust
their lives even to the smallest piece of wood, and passing through the billows
on a raft they come safely to land.
[6] For even in
the beginning, when arrogant giants were perishing, the hope of the world took
refuge on a raft, and guided by thy hand left to the world the seed of a new
generation.
[7] For blessed
is the wood by which righteousness comes.
[8] But the
idol made with hands is accursed, and so is he who made it; because he did the
work, and the perishable thing was named a god.
[9] For equally
hateful to God are the ungodly man and his ungodliness,
[10] for what
was done will be punished together with him who did it.
[11] Therefore
there will be a visitation also upon the heathen idols, because, though part of
what God created, they became an abomination, and became traps for the souls of
men and a snare to the feet of the foolish.
[12] For the
idea of making idols was the beginning of fornication, and the invention of
them was the corruption of life,
[13] for
neither have they existed from the beginning nor will they exist for ever.
[14] For
through the vanity of men they entered the world, and therefore their speedy
end has been planned.
[15] For a
father, consumed with grief at an untimely bereavement, made an image of his
child, who had been suddenly taken from him; and he now honored as a god what
was once a dead human being, and handed on to his dependents secret rites and
initiations.
[16] Then the
ungodly custom, grown strong with time, was kept as a law, and at the command
of monarchs graven images were worshiped.
[17] When men
could not honor monarchs in their presence, since they lived at a distance,
they
imagined their
appearance far away, and made a visible image of the king whom they honored, so
that by their zeal they might flatter the absent one as though present.
[18] Then the
ambition of the craftsman impelled even those who did not know the king to
intensify their worship.
[19] For he,
perhaps wishing to please his ruler, skilfully forced the likeness to take more
beautiful form,
[20] and the
multitude, attracted by the charm of his work, now regarded as an object of
worship the one whom shortly before they had honored as a man.
[21] And this
became a hidden trap for mankind, because men, in bondage to misfortune or to
royal authority, bestowed on objects of stone or wood the name that ought not
to be shared.
[22] Afterward
it was not enough for them to err about the knowledge of God, but they live in
great strife due to ignorance, and they call such great evils peace.
[23] For
whether they kill children in their initiations, or celebrate secret mysteries,
or hold frenzied revels with strange customs,
[24] they no
longer keep either their lives or their marriages pure, but they either
treacherously kill one another, or grieve one another by adultery,
[25] and all is
a raging riot of blood and murder, theft and deceit, corruption, faithlessness,
tumult, perjury,
[26] confusion
over what is good, forgetfulness of favors, pollution of souls, sex perversion,
disorder in marriage, adultery, and debauchery.
[27] For the
worship of idols not to be named is the beginning and cause and end of every
evil.
[28] For their
worshipers either rave in exultation, or prophesy lies, or live unrighteously,
or readily commit perjury;
[29] for
because they trust in lifeless idols they swear wicked oaths and expect to
suffer no harm.
[30] But just
penalties will overtake them on two counts: because they thought wickedly of
God in devoting themselves to idols, and because in deceit they swore
unrighteously through contempt for holiness.
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[31] For it is
not the power of the things by which men swear, but the just penalty for those
who sin, that always pursues the transgression of the unrighteous.
CHAPTER 15
[1] But thou,
our God, art kind and true, patient, and ruling all things in mercy.
[2] For even if
we sin we are thine, knowing thy power; but we will not sin, because we know
that we are accounted thine.
[3] For to know
thee is complete righteousness, and to know thy power is the root of
immortality.
[4] For neither
has the evil intent of human art misled us, nor the fruitless toil of painters,
a figure stained with varied colors,
[5] whose
appearance arouses yearning in fools, so that they desire the lifeless form of
a dead image.
[6] Lovers of
evil things and fit for such objects of hope are those who either make or
desire or
worship them.
[7] For when a
potter kneads the soft earth and laboriously molds each vessel for our service,
he
fashions out of
the same clay both the vessels that serve clean uses and those for contrary
uses, making all in like manner; but which shall be the use of each of these
the worker in clay decides.
[8] With
misspent toil, he forms a futile god from the same clay — this man who was made
of earth a short time before and after a little while goes to the earth from
which he was taken, when he is required to return the soul that was lent him.
[9] But he is
not concerned that he is destined to die or that his life is brief, but he
competes with workers in gold and silver, and imitates workers in copper; and
he counts it his glory that he molds counterfeit gods.
[10] His heart
is ashes, his hope is cheaper than dirt, and his life is of less worth than
clay,
[11] because he
failed to know the one who formed him and inspired him with an active soul and
breathed into
him a living spirit.
[12] But he
considered our existence an idle game, and life a festival held for profit, for
he says one must get money however one can, even by base means.
[13] For this
man, more than all others, knows that he sins when he makes from earthy matter
fragile vessels and graven images.
[14] But most
foolish, and more miserable than an infant, are all the enemies who oppressed
thy
people.
[15] For they
thought that all their heathen idols were gods, though these have neither the
use of their eyes to see with, nor nostrils with which to draw breath, nor ears
with which to hear, nor fingers to feel with, and their feet are of no use for
walking.
[16] For a man
made them, and one whose spirit is borrowed formed them; for no man can form a
god which is like himself.
[17] He is
mortal, and what he makes with lawless hands is dead, for he is better than the
objects he worships, since he has life, but they never have.
[18] The
enemies of thy people worship even the most hateful animals, which are worse
than all
others, when
judged by their lack of intelligence;
[19] and even
as animals they are not so beautiful in appearance that one would desire them,
but they have escaped both the praise of God and his blessing.
CHAPTER 16
[1] Therefore
those men were deservedly punished through such creatures, and were tormented
by a multitude of animals.
[2] Instead of
this punishment thou didst show kindness to thy people, and thou didst prepare
quails to eat, a delicacy to satisfy the desire of appetite;
[3] in order
that those men, when they desired food, might lose the least remnant of
appetite because of the odious creatures sent to them, while thy people, after
suffering want a short time, might partake of delicacies.
[4] For it was
necessary that upon those oppressors inexorable want should come, while to
these it was merely shown how their enemies were being tormented.
[5] For when
the terrible rage of wild beasts came upon thy people and they were being
destroyed by the bites of writhing serpents, thy wrath did not continue to the
end;
[6] they were
troubled for a little while as a warning, and received a token of deliverance
to remind them of thy law’s command.
[7] For he who
turned toward it was saved, not by what he saw, but by thee, the Savior of all.
[8] And by this
also thou didst convince our enemies that it is thou who deliverest from every
evil.
[9] For they
were killed by the bites of locusts and flies, and no healing was found for
them, because they deserved to be punished by such things;
[10] but thy
sons were not conquered even by the teeth of venomous serpents, for thy mercy
came to their help and healed them.
[11] To remind
them of thy oracles they were bitten, and then were quickly delivered, lest
they should fall into deep forgetfulness and become unresponsive to thy
kindness.
[12] For
neither herb nor poultice cured them, but it was thy word, O Lord, which heals
all men.
[13] For thou
hast power over life and death; thou dost lead men down to the gates of Hades
and back again.
[14] A man in
his wickedness kills another, but he cannot bring back the departed spirit, nor
set free the imprisoned soul.
[15] To escape
from thy hand is impossible;
[16] for the
ungodly, refusing to know thee, were scourged by the strength of thy arm,
pursued by unusual rains and hail and relentless storms, and utterly consumed
by fire.
[17] For — most
incredible of all — in the water, which quenches all things, the fire had still
greater effect, for the universe defends the righteous.
[18] At one
time the flame was restrained, so that it might not consume the creatures sent
against the ungodly, but that seeing this they might know that they were being
pursued by the judgment of God;
[19] and at
another time even in the midst of water it burned more intensely than fire, to
destroy the crops of the unrighteous land.
[20] Instead of
these things thou didst give thy people food of angels, and without their toil
thou didst supply them from heaven with bread ready to eat, providing every
pleasure and suited to every taste.
[21] For thy
sustenance manifested thy sweetness toward thy children; and the bread,
ministering to the desire of the one who took it, was changed to suit every
one’s liking.
[22] Snow and
ice withstood fire without melting, so that they might know that the crops of
their
enemies were
being destroyed by the fire that blazed in the hail and flashed in the showers
of rain;
[23] whereas
the fire, in order that the righteous might be fed, even forgot its native
power.
[24] For
creation, serving thee who hast made it, exerts itself to punish the
unrighteous, and in
kindness
relaxes on behalf of those who trust in thee.
[25] Therefore
at that time also, changed into all forms, it served thy all-nourishing bounty,
according to the desire of those who had need,
[26] so that
thy sons, whom thou didst love, O Lord, might learn that it is not the
production of crops that feeds man, but that thy word preserves those who trust
in thee.
[27] For what
was not destroyed by fire was melted when simply warmed by a fleeting ray of
the sun,
[28] to make it
known that one must rise before the sun to give thee thanks, and must pray to
thee at the dawning of the light;
[29] for the
hope of an ungrateful man will melt like wintry frost, and flow away like waste
water.
CHAPTER 17
[1] Great are
thy judgments and hard to describe; therefore unintructed souls have gone
astray.
[2] For when
lawless men supposed that they held the holy nation in their power, they
themselves lay as captives of darkness and prisoners of long night, shut in
under their roofs, exiles from eternal providence.
[3] For
thinking that in their secret sins they were unobserved behind a dark curtain
of forgetfulness, they were scattered, terribly alarmed, and appalled by
specters.
[4] For not
even the inner chamber that held them protected them from fear, but terrifying
sounds rang out around them, and dismal phantoms with gloomy faces appeared.
[5] And no
power of fire was able to give light, nor did the brilliant flames of the stars
avail to illumine that hateful night.
[6] Nothing was
shining through to them except a dreadful, self-kindled fire, and in terror
they deemed the things which they saw to be worse than that unseen appearance.
[7] The
delusions of their magic art lay humbled, and their boasted wisdom was
scornfully rebuked.
[8] For those
who promised to drive off the fears and disorders of a sick soul were sick
themselves with ridiculous fear.
[9] For even if
nothing disturbing frightened them, yet, scared by the passing of beasts and
the hissing of serpents,
[10] they
perished in trembling fear, refusing to look even at the air, though it nowhere
could be
avoided.
[11] For
wickedness is a cowardly thing, condemned by its own testimony; distressed by
conscience, it has always exaggerated the difficulties.
[12] For fear
is nothing but surrender of the helps that come from reason;
[13] and the
inner expectation of help, being weak, prefers ignorance of what causes the
torment.
[14] But
throughout the night, which was really powerless, and which beset them from the
recesses of powerless Hades, they all slept the same sleep,
[15] and now
were driven by monstrous specters, and now were paralyzed by their souls’
surrender, for sudden and unexpected fear overwhelmed them.
[16] And
whoever was there fell down, and thus was kept shut up in a prison not made of
iron;
[17] for
whether he was a farmer or a shepherd or a workman who toiled in the
wilderness, he was seized, and endured the inescapable fate; for with one chain
of darkness they all were bound.
[18] Whether
there came a whistling wind, or a melodious sound of birds in wide-spreading
branches, or the rhythm of violently rushing water,
[19] or the
harsh crash of rocks hurled down, or the unseen running of leaping animals, or
the sound of the most savage roaring beasts, or an echo thrown back from a
hollow of the mountains, it paralyzed them with terror.
[20] For the
whole world was illumined with brilliant light, and was engaged in unhindered
work,
[21] while over
those men alone heavy night was spread, an image of the darkness that was
destined to receive them; but still heavier than darkness were they to
themselves.
CHAPTER 18
[1] But for thy
holy ones there was very great light. Their enemies heard their voices but did
not see their forms, and counted them happy for not having suffered,
[2] and were
thankful that thy holy ones, though previously wronged, were doing them no
injury; and they begged their pardon for having been at variance with them.
[3] Therefore
thou didst provide a flaming pillar of fire as a guide for thy people’s unknown
journey, and a harmless sun for their glorious wandering.
[4] For their
enemies deserved to be deprived of light and imprisoned in darkness, those who
had kept thy sons imprisoned, through whom the imperishable light of the law
was to be given to the world.
[5] When they
had resolved to kill the babes of thy holy ones, and one child had been exposed
and rescued, thou didst in punishment take away a multitude of their children;
and thou didst destroy them all together by a mighty flood.
[6] That night
was made known beforehand to our fathers, so that they might rejoice in sure
knowledge of the oaths in which they trusted.
[7] The
deliverance of the righteous and the destruction of their enemies were expected
by thy people.
[8] For by the
same means by which thou didst punish our enemies thou didst call us to thyself
and glorify us.
[9] For in
secret the holy children of good men offered sacrifices, and with one accord
agreed to the divine law, that the saints would share alike the same things,
both blessings and dangers; and already they were singing the praises of the
fathers.
[10] But the
discordant cry of their enemies echoed back, and their piteous lament for their
children was spread abroad.
[11] The slave
was punished with the same penalty as the master, and the common man suffered
the same loss as the king;
[12] and they
all together, by the one form of death, had corpses too many to count. For the
living were not sufficient even to bury them, since in one instant their most
valued children had been destroyed.
[13] For though
they had disbelieved everything because of their magic arts, yet, when their
first-born were destroyed, they acknowledged thy people to be God’s son.
[14] For while
gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half
gone,
[15] thy
all-powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne, into the midst of
the land that was doomed, a stern warrior
[16] carrying
the sharp sword of thy authentic command, and stood and filled all things with
death, and touched heaven while standing on the earth.
[17] Then at
once apparitions in dreadful dreams greatly troubled them, and unexpected fears
assailed them;
[18] and one
here and another there, hurled down half dead, made known why they were dying;
[19] for the
dreams which disturbed them forewarned them of this, so that they might not
perish
without knowing
why they suffered.
[20] The
experience of death touched also the righteous, and a plague came upon the
multitude in the desert, but the wrath did not long continue.
[21] For a
blameless man was quick to act as their champion; he brought forward the shield
of his ministry, prayer and propitiation by incense; he withstood the anger and
put an end to the disaster, showing that he was thy servant.
[22] He
conquered the wrath not by strength of body, and not by force of arms, but by
his word he subdued the punisher, appealing to the oaths and covenants given to
our fathers.
[23] For when
the dead had already fallen on one another in heaps, he intervened and held
back the wrath, and cut off its way to the living.
[24] For upon
his long robe the whole world was depicted, and the glories of the fathers were
engraved on the four rows of stones, and thy majesty on the diadem upon his
head.
[25] To these
the destroyer yielded, these he feared; for merely to test the wrath was
enough.
CHAPTER 19
[1] But the
ungodly were assailed to the end by pitiless anger, for God knew in advance even
their future actions,
[2] that,
though they themselves had permitted thy people to depart and hastily sent them
forth, they would change their minds and pursue them.
[3] For while
they were still busy at mourning, and were lamenting at the graves of their
dead, they reached another foolish decision, and pursued as fugitives those
whom they had begged and compelled to depart.
[4] For the
fate they deserved drew them on to this end, and made them forget what had
happened, in order that they might fill up the punishment which their torments
still lacked,
[5] and that
thy people might experience an incredible journey, but they themselves might
meet a strange death.
[6] For the
whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew, complying with thy commands,
that thy children might be kept unharmed.
[7] The cloud
was seen overshadowing the camp, and dry land emerging where water had stood
before, an
unhindered way out of the Red Sea, and a grassy plain out of the raging waves,
[8] where those
protected by thy hand passed through as one nation, after gazing on marvelous
wonders.
[9] For they
ranged like horses, and leaped like lambs, praising thee, O Lord, who didst
deliver them.
[10] For they
still recalled the events of their sojourn, how instead of producing animals
the earth brought forth gnats, and instead of fish the river spewed out vast
numbers of frogs.
[11] Afterward
they saw also a new kind of birds, when desire led them to ask for luxurious
food;
[12] for, to
give them relief, quails came up from the sea.
[13] The
punishments did not come upon the sinners without prior signs in the violence
of thunder, for they justly suffered because of their wicked acts; for they
practiced a more bitter hatred of strangers.
[14] Others had
refused to receive strangers when they came to them, but these made slaves of
guests who were their benefactors.
[15] And not
only so, but punishment of some sort will come upon the former for their
hostile
reception of
the aliens;
[16] Whereas
these first welcomed with feastings, And then afflicted with dreadful toils,
Them that had already shared with them in the same rights.
[17] They were
stricken also with loss of sight — just as were those at the door of the
righteous man — when, surrounded by yawning darkness, each tried to find the
way through his own door.
[18] For the
elements changed places with one another, as on a harp the notes vary the
nature of the rhythm, while each note remains the same. This may be clearly
inferred from the sight of what took place.
[19] For land
animals were transformed into water creatures, and creatures that swim moved
over to the land.
[20] Fire even
in water retained its normal power, and water forgot its fire-quenching nature.
[21] Flames, on
the contrary, failed to consume the flesh of perishable creatures that walked
among them, nor did they melt the crystalline, easily melted kind of heavenly
food.
[22] For in
everything, O Lord, thou hast exalted and glorified thy people; and thou hast
not neglected to help them at all times and in all places.
HERE ENDS OF
THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
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