Wisdom of Solomon

Wisdom of Solomon 1

The chapter exhorts judges of the earth to love righteousness and seek God in simplicity. It warns that wisdom will not enter into malicious souls or those who distrust God. The chapter also cautions against murmuring, backbiting, and seeking death through error.

Wisdom of Solomon 2

The ungodly reason among themselves that life is short and meaningless, and that death offers no remedy. They decide to indulge in worldly pleasures while they can, and plot against a righteous man who claims to have knowledge of God. The wicked men imagine that if the righteous man is truly God's son, he will be delivered from their hands.

Wisdom of Solomon 3

The chapter describes the fate of the righteous and wicked after death, stating that the former are in God's care and will be rewarded, while the latter will be punished according to their own imaginations. It also highlights the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of neglecting wisdom and virtue. The chapter concludes with a warning about the end of an unrighteous generation.

Wisdom of Solomon 4

The chapter contrasts the fate of the virtuous and the ungodly, stating that virtue is immortal and brings eternal reward. The righteous may die young but are at peace, while the wicked will be condemned by the righteous dead and suffer eternal shame. The chapter concludes with a warning to the wicked that their sins will ultimately convict them.

Wisdom of Solomon 5

The chapter describes the fate of those who have afflicted the righteous man, contrasting their own demise with the eternal life of the righteous. The ungodly are likened to fleeting things that vanish like dust, froth, and smoke, while the righteous live forever and receive a glorious kingdom from God. The chapter concludes with vivid imagery of divine judgment against the wicked.

Wisdom of Solomon 6

The author addresses kings and judges, warning them that God will judge their works and search out their counsels. He emphasizes that mercy will soon pardon the humble, but mighty men will be tormented. The chapter concludes with an invitation to receive instruction through the author's words.

Wisdom of Solomon 7

The author reflects on their own mortality and birth, then describes their experience with wisdom, which they have come to prefer over wealth and power. They describe the benefits of wisdom, including its ability to bring good things together and make one a friend of God. The chapter concludes by describing wisdom as a beautiful and powerful force that will ultimately prevail against evil.

Wisdom of Solomon 8

The author expresses his love for Wisdom, describing her as conversant with God and privy to His mysteries. He argues that wisdom is richer than material wealth and more valuable than any other possession. The author then describes the benefits of being allied with Wisdom, including immortality, pleasure, and prudence.

Wisdom of Solomon 9

Solomon requests wisdom from God to govern His people, acknowledging his own limitations and the corruptible nature of human understanding. He recognizes that true wisdom comes from God and is necessary for making just decisions. The chapter concludes with a statement on how wisdom has been used in the past to guide humanity.

Wisdom of Solomon 10

Wisdom recounts how she preserved Noah after the fall of Adam, guided him through the flood, and protected righteous individuals from unrighteous ones throughout history. She defended a righteous man against his brother's wrath, stood by him in times of oppression, and delivered him from sin. Wisdom also rendered rewards to the righteous, guided them through miraculous ways, and brought them through treacherous waters.

Wisdom of Solomon 11

The chapter describes God's protection and provision for the Israelites in the wilderness, including their thirst being quenched from a rock and their enemies being punished. It also contrasts God's mercy with His justice, highlighting His ability to show strength at all times while still sparing humanity. The chapter concludes by emphasizing God's love for all creation.

Wisdom of Solomon 12

The chapter describes how God's justice is tempered with mercy, punishing sinners gradually rather than immediately. It also highlights God's power and righteousness in judging both His people and their enemies. The chapter concludes by noting that those who refuse to repent will face a fitting judgment.

Wisdom of Solomon 13

The chapter criticizes those who worship false gods, such as idols made from gold and silver, and argues that these creations are inferior to their creator. It uses the example of a skilled craftsman who makes an image of a man or beast, but ultimately relies on the creator for protection and success. The chapter concludes by highlighting the absurdity of praying to inanimate objects.

Wisdom of Solomon 14

The chapter describes how men have created idols and attributed divine powers to them, leading to a decline in moral values. It explains how the worship of idols has led to chaos and corruption, causing people to live in fear and injustice. The chapter concludes that the worship of idols is the root cause of all evil.

Wisdom of Solomon 15

The author critiques idolatrous worship by describing the creation of idols made from clay or other materials, highlighting their impermanence and lack of life. He contrasts the potter who creates vessels with purpose to the craftsman who makes idols for vain purposes. The chapter concludes by ridiculing those who consider idols to be gods.

Wisdom of Solomon 16

God explains how He punished the wicked with strange and terrifying creatures, but also showed mercy to His people by providing them with food that was a sign of salvation. The chapter highlights God's power over life and death, and how He can use even the most destructive forces for good. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's word rather than physical sustenance.

Wisdom of Solomon 17

The chapter describes the fate of the unrighteous who died during a great and intolerable night. They are tormented by various fears, including monstrous apparitions, beasts, and strange noises. The chapter concludes that fear is a result of betraying one's own reason.

Wisdom of Solomon 18

The chapter describes God's protection of His people during a time of great suffering and death. The righteous are comforted by their faith in God, while the wicked are punished for their sins. A key moment is when the destroyer is overcome by the prayers of a blameless man.

Wisdom of Solomon 19

The chapter describes the punishments that befell the ungodly nations who pursued God's people after they had been given leave to depart. The punishments are depicted as a reversal of natural order, with earthly things becoming watery and fire losing its power in water. The chapter concludes by highlighting God's protection and assistance of his people throughout their journey.