This Book is so called, because it treats of the excellence
of WISDOM, the means to obtain it, and the happy fruits it
produces. It is written in the person of Solomon, and
contains his sentiments. But it is uncertain who was the
writer. It abounds with instructions and exhortations to
kings and all magistrates to minister justice in the
commonwealth, teaching all kinds of virtues under the
general names of justice and wisdom. It contains also many
prophecies of Christ's coming, passion, resurrection, and
other Christian mysteries. The whole may be divided into
three parts. In the first six chapters, the author
admonishes all superiors to love and exercise justice and
wisdom. In the next three, he teacheth that wisdom
proceedeth only from God, and is procured by prayer and a
good life. In the other ten chapters, he sheweth the
excellent effects and utility of wisdom and justice.
Wisdom Chapter 1
An exhortation to seek God sincerely, who cannot be
deceived, and desireth not our death.
1:1. Love justice, you that are the judges of the earth.
Think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in simplicity
of heart:
1:2. For he is found by them that tempt him not: and he
sheweth himself to them that have faith in him.
1:3. For perverse thoughts separate from God: and his
power, when it is tried, reproveth the unwise:
1:4. For wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul, nor
dwell in a body subject to sins.
1:5. For the Holy Spirit of discipline will flee from the
deceitful, and will withdraw himself from thoughts that are
without understanding, and he shall not abide when iniquity
cometh in.
1:6. For the spirit of wisdom is benevolent, and will not
acquit the evil speaker from his lips: for God is witness
of his reins, and he is a true searcher of his heart, and a
hearer of his tongue.
1:7. For the Spirit of the Lord hath filled the whole
world: and that which containeth all things, hath knowledge
of the voice.
1:8. Therefore he that speaketh unjust things, cannot be
hid, neither shall the chastising judgment pass him by.
1:9. For inquisition shall be made into the thoughts of the
ungodly, and the hearing of his words shall come to God, to
the chastising of his iniquities.
1:10. For the ear of jealousy heareth all things, and the
tumult of murmuring shall not be hid.
1:11. Keep yourselves, therefore, from murmuring, which
profiteth nothing, and refrain your tongue from detraction,
for an obscure speech shall not go for nought: and the
mouth that belieth, killeth the soul.
1:12. Seek not death in the error of your life, neither
procure ye destruction by the works of your hands.
1:13. For God made not death, neither hath he pleasure in
the destruction of the living.
1:14. For he created all things that they might be: and he
made the nations of the earth for health: and there is no
poison of destruction in them, nor kingdom of hell upon the
earth.
1:15. For justice is perpetual and immortal.
1:16. But the wicked with works and words have called it to
them: and esteeming it a friend, have fallen away and have
made a covenant with it: because they are worthy to be of
the part thereof.
Wisdom Chapter 2
The vain reasonings of the wicked: their persecuting the
just, especially the Son of God.
2:1. For they have said, reasoning with themselves, but not
right: The time of our life is short and tedious, and in
the end of a man there is no remedy, and no man hath been
known to have returned from hell:
2:2. For we are born of nothing, and after this we shall be
as if we had not been: for the breath in our nostrils is
smoke: and speech a spark to move our heart,
2:3. Which being put out, our body shall be ashes, and our
spirit shall be poured abroad as soft air, and our life
shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and shall be
dispersed as a mist, which is driven away by the beams of
the sun, and overpowered with the heat thereof:
2:4. And our name in time shall be forgotten, and no man
shall have any remembrance of our works.
2:5. For our time is as the passing of a shadow, and there
is no going back of our end: for it is fast sealed, and no
man returneth:
2:6. Come, therefore, and let us enjoy the good things that
are present, and let us speedily use the creatures as in
youth.
2:7. Let us fill ourselves with costly wine, and ointments:
and let not the flower of the time pass by us.
2:8. Let us crown ourselves with roses, before they be
withered: let no meadow escape our riot.
2:9. Let none of us go without his part in luxury: let us
every where leave tokens of joy: for this is our portion,
and this our lot.
2:10. Let us oppress the poor just man, and not spare the
widow, nor honour thc ancient grey hairs of the aged.
2:11. But let our strength be the law of justice: for that
which is feeble is found to be nothing worth.
2:12. Let us, therefore, lie in wait for the just, because
he is not for our turn, and he is contrary to our doings,
and upbraideth us with transgressions of the law, and
divulgeth against us the sins of our way of life.
2:13. He boasteth that he hath the knowledge of God, and
calleth himself the son of God.
2:14. He is become a censurer of our thoughts.
2:15. He is grievous unto us, even to behold: for his life
is not like other men's, and his ways are very different.
2:16. We are esteemed by him as triflers, and he abstaineth
from our ways as from filthiness, and he preferreth the
latter end of the just, and glorieth that he hath God for
his father.
2:17. Let us see then if his words be true, and let us
prove what shall happen to him, and we shall know what his
end shall be.
2:18. For if he be the true son of God, he will defend him,
and will deliver him from the hands of his enemies.
2:19. Let us examine him by outrages and tortures, that we
may know his meekness, and try his patience.
2:20. Let us condemn him to a most shameful death: for
there shall be respect had unto him by his words.
2:21. These things they thought, and were deceived: for
their own malice blinded them.
2:22. And they knew not the secrets of God, nor hoped for
the wages of justice, nor esteemed the honour of holy
souls.
2:23. For God created man incorruptible, and to the image
of his own likeness he made him.
2:24. But by the envy of the devil, death came into the
world:
2:25. And they follow him that are of his side.
Wisdom Chapter 3
The happiness of the just: and the unhappiness of the
wicked.
3:1. But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and
the torment of death shall not touch them.
3:2. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and
their departure was taken for misery:
3:3. And their going away from us, for utter destruction:
but they are in peace.
3:4. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments,
their hope is full of immortality.
3:5. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well
rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them
worthy of himself.
3:6. As gold in the furnace, he hath proved them, and as a
victim of a holocaust, he hath received them, and in time
there shall be respect had to them.
3:7. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like
sparks among the reeds.
3:8. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and
their Lord shall reign for ever.
3:9. They that trust in him shall understand the truth: and
they that are faithful in love, shall rest in him: for
grace and peace are to his elect.
3:10. But the wicked shall be punished according to their
own devices: who have neglected the just, and have revolted
from the Lord.
3:11. For he that rejecteth wisdom, and discipline, is
unhappy: and their hope is vain, and their labours without
fruit, and their works unprofitable.
3:12. Their wives are foolish, and their children wicked.
3:13. Their offspring is cursed, for happy is the barren:
and the undefiled, that hath not known bed in sin, she
shall have fruit in the visitation of holy souls.
3:14. And the eunuch, that hath not wrought iniquity with
his hands, nor thought wicked things against God for the
precious gift of faith shall be given to him, and a most
acceptable lot in the temple of God.
3:15. For the fruit of good labours is glorious, and the
root of wisdom never faileth.
3:16. But the children of adulterers shall not come to
perfection, and the seed of the unlawful bed shall be
rooted out.
3:17. And if they live long, they shall be nothing
regarded, and their last old age shall be without honour.
3:18. And if they die quickly, they shall have no hope, nor
speech of comfort in the day of trial.
3:19. For dreadful are the ends of a wicked race.
Wisdom Chapter 4
The difference between the chaste and the adulterous
generations: and between the death of the just and the
wicked.
4:1. How beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for
the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both
with God and with men.
4:2. When it is present, they imitate it: and they desire
it, when it hath withdrawn itself, and it triumpheth
crowned for ever, winning the reward of undefiled
confiicts.
4:3. But the multiplied brood of the wicked shall not
thrive, and bastard slips shall not take deep root, nor any
fast foundation.
4:4. And if they flourish in branches for a time, yet
standing not fast, they shall be shaken with the wind, and
through the force of winds they shall be rooted out.
4:5. For the branches not being perfect, shall be broken,
and their fruits shall be unprofitable, and sour to eat,
and fit for nothing.
4:6. For the children that are born of unlawful beds, are
witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their
trial.
4:7. But the just man, if he be prevented with death, shall
be in rest.
4:8. For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor
counted by the number of years: but the understanding of a
man is grey hairs.
4:9. And a spotless life is old age.
4:10. He pleased God, and was beloved, and living among
sinners, he was translated.
4:11. He was taken away, lest wickedness should alter his
understanding, or deceit beguile his soul.
4:12. For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things,
and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent
mind.
4:13. Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a
long time.
4:14. For his soul pleased God: therefore he hastened to
bring him out of the midst of iniquities: but the people
see this, and understand not, nor lay up such things in
their hearts:
4:15. That the grace of God, and his mercy is with his
saints, and that he hath respect to his chosen.
4:16. But the just that is dead, condemneth the wicked that
are living, and youth soon ended, the long life of the
unjust.
4:17. For they shall see the end of the wise man, and it
shall not understand what God hath designed for him, and
why the Lord hath set him in safety.
4:18. They shall see him, and shall despise him: but the
Lord shall laugh them to scorn.
4:19. And they shall fall after this without honour, and be
a reproach among the dead for ever: for he shall burst them
puffed up and speechless, and shall shake them from the
foundations, and they shall be utterly laid waste: they
shall be in sorrow, and their memory shall perish.
4:20. They shall come with fear at the thought of their
sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to
convict them.
Wisdom Chapter 5
The fruitless repentance of the wicked in another world:
the reward of the just.
5:1. Then shall the just stand with great constancy against
those that have afflicted them, and taken away their
labours.
5:2. These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear,
and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected
salvation,
5:3. Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for
anguish of spirit: These are they, whom we had sometime in
derision, and for a parable of reproach.
5:4. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end
without honour.
5:5. Behold, how they are numbered among the children of
God, and their lot is among the saints.
5:6. Therefore we have erred from the way of truth, and the
light of justice hath not shined unto us, and the sun of
understanding hath not risen upon us.
5:7. We wearied ourselves in the way of iniquity and
destruction, and have walked through hard ways, but the way
of the Lord we have not known.
5:8. What hath pride profited us? or what advantage hath
the boasting of riches brought us?
5:9. All those things are passed away like a shadow, and
like a post that runneth on,
5:10. And as a ship, that passeth through the waves:
whereof when it is gone by, the trace cannot be found. nor
the path of its keel in the waters:
5:11. Or as when a bird flieth through the air, of the
passage of which no mark can be found, but only the sound
of the wings beating the light air, and parting it by the
force of her flight: she moved her wings, and hath flown
through, and there is no mark found afterwards of her way:
5:12. Or as when an arrow is shot at a mark, the divided
air quickly cometh together again, so that the passage
thereof is not known:
5:13. So we also being born, forthwith ceased to be: and
have been able to shew no mark of virtue: but are consumed
in our wickedness.
5:14. Such things as these the sinners said in hell:
5:15. For the hope of the wicked is as dust, which is blown
away with the wind, and as a thin froth which is dispersed
by the storm: and a smoke that is scattered abroad by the
wind: and as the remembrance of a guest of one day that
passeth by.
5:16. But the just shall live for evermore: and their
reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the most
High.
5:17. Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory, and
a crown of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with his
right hand he will cover them, and with his holy arm he
will defend them.
5:18. And his zeal will take armour, and he will arm the
creature for the revenge of his enemies.
5:19. He will put on justice as a breastplate, and will
take true judgment instead of a helmet:
5:20. He will take equity for an invincible shield:
5:21. And he will sharpen his severe wrath for a spear, and
the whole world shall fight with him against the unwise.
5:22. Then shafts of lightning shall go directly from the
clouds, as from a bow well bent, they shall be shot out,
and shall fly to the mark.
5:23. And thick hail shall be cast upon them from the stone
casting wrath: the water of the sea shall rage against
them, and the rivers shall run together in a terrible
manner.
5:24. A mighty wind shall stand up against them, and as a
whirlwind shall divide them: and their iniquity shall bring
all the earth to a desert, and wickedness shall overthrow
the thrones of the mighty.
Wisdom Chapter 6
An address to princes to seek after wisdom: she is easily
found by those that seek her.
6:1. Wisdom is better than strength: and a wise man is
better than a strong man.
6:2. Hear, therefore, ye kings, and understand, learn ye
that are judges of the ends of the earth.
6:3. Give ear, you that rule the people, and that please
yourselves in multitudes of nations:
6:4. For power is given you by the Lord, and strength by
the most High, who will examine your works: and search out
your thoughts:
6:6. Because being ministers of his kingdom, you have not
judged rightly, nor kept the law of justice, nor walked
according to the will of God.
6:6. Horribly and speedily will he appear to you: for a
most severe judgment shall be for them that bear rule.
6:7. For to him that is little, mercy is granted: but the
mighty shall be mightily tormented.
6:8. For God will not except any man's person, neither will
he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he made the
little and the great, and he hath equally care of all.
6:9. But a greater punishment is ready for the more mighty.
6:10. To you, therefore, O kings, are these my words, that
you may learn wisdom, and not fall from it.
6:11. For they that have kept just things justly, shall be
justified: and they that have learned these things, shall
find what to answer.
6:12. Covet ye, therefore, my words, and love them, and you
shall have instruction.
6:13. Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away, and is
easily seen by them that love her, and is found by them
that seek her.
6:14. She preventeth them that covet her, so that she first
sheweth herself unto them.
6:15. He that awaketh early to seek her, shall not labour:
for he shall find her sitting at his door.
6:16. To think, therefore, upon her, is perfect
understanding: and he that watcheth for her, shall quickly
be secure.
6:17. For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of
her, and she sheweth herself to them cheerfully in the
ways, and meeteth them with all providence.
6:18. For the beginning of her is the most true desire of
discipline.
6:19. And the care of discipline is love: and love is the
keeping of her laws: and the keeping of her laws is the
firm foundation of incorruption:
6:20. And incorruption bringeth near to God.
6:21. Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to the
everlasting kingdom.
6:22. If then your delight be in thrones, and sceptres, O
ye kings of the people, love wisdom, that you may reign for
ever.
6:23. Love the light of wisdom, all ye that bear rule over
peoples.
6:24. Now what wisdom is, and what was her origin, I will
declare: and I will not hide from you the mysteries of God,
but will seek her out from the beginning of her birth, and
bring the knowledge of her to light, and will not pass over
the truth:
6:25. Neither will I go with consuming envy: for such a man
shall not be partaker of wisdom.
6:26. Now the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the
whole world: and a wise king is the upholding of the
people.
6:27. Receive, therefore, instruction by my words, and it
shall be profitable to you.
Wisdom Chapter 7
The excellence of wisdom: how she is to be found.
7:1. I myself am a mortal man, like all others, and of the
race of him, that was first made of the earth, and in the
womb of my mother I was fashioned to be flesh.
7:2. In the time of ten months I was compacted in blood, of
the seed of man, and the pleasure of sleep concurring.
7:3. And being born, I drew in the common air, and fell
upon the earth, that is made alike, and the first voice
which I uttered was crying, as all others do.
7:4. I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and with great
cares.
7:5. For none of the kings had any other beginning of
birth.
7:6. For all men have one entrance into life, and the like
going out.
7:7. Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me:
and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon
me:
7:8. And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and
esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.
7:9. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for
all gold, in comparison of her, is as a little sand; and
silver, in respect to her, shall be counted as clay.
7:10. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to
have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out.
7:11. Now all good things came to me together with her, and
innumerable riches through her hands,
7:12. And I rejoiced in all these: for this wisdom went
before me, and I knew not that she was the mother of them
all.
7:13. Which I have learned without guile, and communicate
without envy, and her riches I hide not.
7:14. For she is an infinite treasure to men: which they
that use, become the friends of God, being commended for
the gifts of discipline.
7:15. And God hath given to me to speak as I would, and to
conceive thoughts worthy of those things that are given me:
because he is the guide of wisdom, and the director of the
wise:
7:16. For in his hand are both we, and our words, and all
wisdom, and the knowledge and skill of works.
7:17. For he hath given me the true knowledge of the things
that are: to know the disposition of the whole world, and
the virtues of the elements,
7:18. The beginning, and ending, and midst of the times,
the alterations of their courses, and the changes of
seasons,
7:19. The revolutions of the year, and the dispositions of
the stars,
7:20. The natures of living creatures, and rage of wild
beasts, the force of winds, and reasonings of men, the
diversities of plants, and the virtues of roots,
7:21. And all such things as are hid, and not foreseen, I
have learned: for wisdom, which is the worker of all
things, taught me.
7:22. For in her is the spirit of understanding; holy, one,
manifold, subtile, eloquent, active, undefiled, sure,
sweet, loving that which is good, quick, which nothing
hindereth, beneficent,
7:23. Gentle, kind, steadfast, assured, secure, having all
power, overseeing all things, and containing all spirits:
intelligible, pure, subtile:
7:24. For wisdom is more active than all active things; and
reacheth everywhere, by reason of her purity.
7:25. For she is a vapour of the power of God, and a
certain pure emmanation of the glory of the Almighty God:
and therefore no defiled thing cometh into her.
7:26. For she is the brightness of eternal light, and the
unspotted mirror of God's majesty, and the image of his
goodness.
7:27. And being but one, she can do all things: and
remaining in herself the same, she reneweth all things, and
through nations conveyeth herself into holy souls, she
maketh the friends of God and prophets.
7:28. For God loveth none but him that dwelleth with
wisdom.
7:29. For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all
the order of the stars: being compared with the light, she
is found before it.
7:30. For after this cometh night, but no evil can overcome
wisdom.
Wisdom Chapter 8
Further praises of wisdom: and her fruits.
8:1. She reacheth, therefore, from end to end mightily, and
ordereth all things sweetly.
8:2. Her have I loved, and have sought her out from my
youth, and have desired to take for my spouse, and I became
a lover of her beauty.
8:3. She glorifieth her nobility by being conversant with
God: yea, and the Lord of all things hath loved her.
8:4. For it is she that teacheth the knowledge of God and
is the chooser of his works.
8:5. And if riches be desired in life, what is richer than
wisdom, which maketh all things?
8:6. And if sense do work: who is a more artful worker than
she of those things that are?
8:7. And if a man love justice: her labours have great
virtues: for she teacheth temperance, and prudence, and
justice, and fortitude, which are such things as men can
have nothing more profitable in life.
8:8. And if a man desire much knowledge: she knoweth things
past, and judgeth of things to come: she knoweth the
subtilties of speeches, and the solutions of arguments: she
knoweth signs and wonders before they be done, and the
events of times and ages.
8:9. I purposed, therefore, to take her to me to live with
me: knowing that she will communicate to me of her good
things, and will be a comfort in my cares and grief.
8:10. For her sake I shall have glory among the multitude,
and honour with the ancients, though I be young:
8:11. And I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment,
and shall be admired in the sight of the mighty, and the
faces of princes shall wonder at me.
8:12. They shall wait for me when I hold my peace, and they
shall look upon me when I speak; and if I talk much, they
shall lay their hands on their mouth.
8:13. Moreover, by the means of her I shall have
immortality: and shall leave behind me an everlasting
memory to them that come after me.
8:14. I shall set the people in order: and nations shall be
subject to me.
8:15. Terrible kings hearing, shall be afraid of me: among
the multitude I shall be found good, and valiant in war.
8:16. When I go into my house, I shall repose myself with
her: for her conversation hath no bitterness, nor her
company any tediousness, but joy and gladness.
8:17. Thinking these things with myself, and pondering them
in my heart, that to be allied to wisdom is immortality,
8:18. And that there is great delight in her friendship,
and inexhaustible riches in the works of her hands, and in
the exercise of conference with her, wisdom, and glory in
the communication of her words: I went about seeking, that
I might take her to myself.
8:19. And I was a witty child, and had received a good
soul.
8:20. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body
undefiled.
8:21. And as I knew that I could not otherwise be
continent, except God gave it, and this also was a point of
wisdom, to know whose gift it was, I went to the Lord, and
besought him, and said with my whole heart:
Wisdom Chapter 9
Solomon's prayer for wisdom.
9:1. God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made
all things with thy word,
9:2. And by thy wisdom hast appointed man, that he should
have dominion over the creature that was made by thee,
9:3. That he should order the world according to equity and
justice, and execute justice with an upright heart:
9:4. Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne, and cast
me not off from among thy children:
9:5. For I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid, a
weak man, and of short time, and falling short of the
understanding of judgment and laws.
9:6. For if one be perfect among the children of men, yet
if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing
regarded.
9:7. Thou hast chosen me to be king of thy people, and a
judge of thy sons and daughters:
9:8. And hast commanded me to build a temple on thy holy
mount, and an altar in the city of thy dwelling place, a
resemblance of thy holy tabernacle, which thou hast
prepared from the beginning:
9:9. And thy wisdom with thee, which knoweth thy works,
which then also was present when thou madest the world, and
knew what was agreeable to thy eyes, and what was right in
thy commandments.
9:10. Send her out of thy holy heaven, and from the throne
of thy majesty, that she may be with me, and may labour
with me, that I may know what is acceptable with thee:
9:11. For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and
shall lead me soberly in my works, and shall preserve me by
her power.
9:12. So shall my works be acceptable, and I shall govern
thy people justly, and shall be worthy of the throne of my
father.
9:13. For who among men is he that can know the counsel of
God? or who can think what the will of God is?
9:14. For the thoughts of mortal men are fearful, and our
counsels uncertain.
9:15. For the corruptible body is a load upon the soul, and
the earthly habitation presseth down the mind that museth
upon many things.
9:16. 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?
9:17. And who shall know thy thought, except thou give
wisdom, and send thy holy Spirit from above:
9:18. And so the ways of them that are upon earth may be
corrected, and men may learn the things that please thee?
9:19. For by wisdom they were healed, whosoever have
pleased thee, O Lord, from the beginning.
Wisdom Chapter 10
What wisdom did for Adam, Noe, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Joseph,
and the people of Israel.
10:1. She preserved him, that was first formed by God, the
father of the world, when he was created alone,
10:2. And she brought him out of his sin, and gave him
power to govern all things.
10:3. But when the unjust went away from her in his anger,
he perished by the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.
The unjust... Cain.
10:4. For whose cause, when water destroyed the earth,
wisdom healed it again, directing the course of the just by
contemptible wood.
For whose cause... Viz., for the wickedness of the race of
Cain.-Ibid. The just... Noe.
10:5. Moreover, when the nations had conspired together to
consent to wickedness, she knew the just, and preserved him
without blame to God, and kept him strong against the
compassion for his son.
She knew the just... She found out and approved Abraham.
Ibid. And kept him strong, etc... Gave him strength to
stand firm against the efforts of his natural tenderness,
when he was ordered to sacrifice his son.
10:6. She delivered the just man, who fled from the wicked
that were perishing, when the fire came down upon
Pentapolis:
The just man... Lot.-Ibid. Pentapolis... The land of the
five cities, Sodom, Gomorrha, etc.
10:7. Whose land, for a testimony of their wickedness, is
desolate, and smoketh to this day, and the trees bear
fruits that ripen not, and a standing pillar of salt is a
monument of an incredulous soul.
10:8. For regarding not wisdom, they did not only slip in
this, that they were ignorant of good things; but they left
also unto men a memorial of their folly, so that in the
things in which they sinned, they could not so much as lie
hid.
10:9. But wisdom hath delivered from sorrow them that
attend upon her.
10:10. She conducted the just, when he fled from his
brother's wrath, through the right ways, and shewed him the
kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy
things, made him honourable in his labours, and
accomplished his labours.
The just... Jacob.
10:11. In the deceit of them that overreached him, she
stood by him, and made him honourable.
10:12. She kept him safe from his enemies, and she defended
him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he
might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all.
Conflict... Viz., with the angel.
10:13. She forsook not the just when he was sold, but
delivered him from sinners: she went down with him into the
pit.
The just when he was sold... Viz., Joseph.
10:14. And in bands she left him not, till she brought him
the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that
oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused
him, and gave him everlasting glory.
10:15. She delivered the just people, and blameless seed,
from the nations that oppressed them.
10:16. She entered into the soul of the servant of God and
stood against dreadful kings in wonders and signs.
The servant of God... Viz., Moses.
10:17. And she rendered to the just the wages of their
labours, and conducted them in a wonderful way: and she was
to them for a covert by day, and for the light of stars by
night:
10:18. And she brought them through the Red Sea, and
carried them over through a great water.
10:19. But their enemies she drowned in the sea, and from
the depth of hell she brought them out. Therefore the just
took the spoils of the wicked.
10:20. And they sung to thy holy name, O Lord, and they
praised with one accord thy victorious hand.
10:21. For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made
the tongues of infants eloquent.
Wisdom Chapter 11
Other benefits of wisdom to the people of God.
11:1. She prospered their works in the hands of the holy
prophet.
The holy prophet... Moses.
11:2. They went through wildernesses that were not
inhabited, and in desert places they pitched their tents.
11:3. They stood against their enemies, and revenged
themselves of their adversaries.
Their enemies... The Amalecites.
11:4. They were thirsty, and they called upon thee, and
water was given them out of the high rock, and a
refreshment of their thirst out of the hard stone.
11:5. For by what things their enemies were punished, when
their drink failed them, while the children of Israel
abounded therewith, and rejoiced:
By what things, etc... The meaning is, that God, who
wrought a miracle to punish the Egyptians by thirst, when
he turned all their waters into blood, (at which time the
Israelites, who were exempt from those plagues, had plenty
of water,) wrought another miracle in favour of his own
people in their thirst, by giving them water out of the
rock.
11:6. By the same things they in their need were benefited.
11:7. For instead of a fountain of an ever running river,
thou gavest human blood to the unjust.
11:8. And whilst they were diminished for a manifest
reproof of their murdering the infants, thou gavest to
thine abundant water unlooked for:
11:9. Shewing by the thirst that was then, how thou didst
exalt thine, and didst kill their adversaries.
11:10. For when they were tried, and chastised with mercy,
they knew how the wicked were judged with wrath, and
tormented.
11:11. For thou didst admonish and try them as a father:
but the others, as a severe king, thou didst examine and
condemn.
11:12. For whether absent or present, they were tormented
alike.
11:13. For a double affliction came upon them, and a
groaning for the remembrance of things past.
11:14. For when they heard that by their punishments the
others were benefited, they remembered the Lord, wondering
at the end of what was come to pass.
By their punishments, etc... That is, that the Israelites
had been benefited and miraculously favoured in the same
kind, in which they had been punished.
11:15. For whom they scorned before, when he was thrown out
at the time of his being wickedly exposed to perish, him
they admired in the end, when they saw the event: their
thirsting being unlike to that of the just.
11:16. But for the foolish devices of their iniqnity,
because some being deceived worshipped dumb serpents and
worthless beasts, thou didst send upon them a multitude of
dumb beasts for vengeance:
Dumb beasts... Viz., frogs, sciniphs, flies, and locusts.
11:17. That they might know that by what things a man
sinneth, by the same also he is tormented.
11:18. For thy almighty hand, which made the world of
matter without form, was not unable to send upon them a
multitude of bears, or fierce lions,
11:19. Or unknown beasts of a new kind, full of rage;
either breathing out a fiery vapour, or sending forth a
stinking smoke, or shooting horrible sparks out of their
eyes:
11:20. Whereof not only the hurt might be able to destroy
them, but also the very sight might kill them through fear.
11:21. Yea, and without these, they might have been slain
with one blast, persecuted by their own deeds, and
scattered by the breath of thy power: but thou hast ordered
all things in measure, and number, and weight.
11:22. For great power always belonged to thee alone: and
who shall resist the strength of thy arm?
11:23. For the whole world before thee is as the least
grain of the balance, and as a drop of the morning dew,
that falleth down upon tho earth.
11:24. But thou hast mercy upon all, because thou canst do
all things, and overlookest the sins of men for the sake of
repentance.
11:25. For thou lovest all things that are, and hatest none
of the things which thou hast made: for thou didst not
appoint, or make any thing hating it.
11:26. And how could any thing endure, if thou wouldst not?
or be preserved, if not called by thee?
11:27. But thou sparest all: because they are thine, O
Lord, who lovest souls.
Wisdom Chapter 12
God's wisdom and mercy in his proceedings with the
Chanaanites.
12:1. O how good and sweet is thy Spirit, O Lord, in all
things!
12:2. And therefore thou chastisest them that err, by
little and little: and admonishest them, and speakest to
them, concerning the things wherein they offend: that
leaving their wickedness, they may believe in thee, O Lord.
12:3. For those ancient inhabitants of thy holy land, whom
thou didst abhor,
12:4. Because they did works hateful to thee by their
sorceries, and wicked sacrifices,
12:5. And those merciless murderers of their own children,
and eaters of men's bowels, and devourers of blood from the
midst of thy consecration,
From the midst of thy consecration... Literally, sacrament.
That is, the land sacred to thee, in which thy temple was
to be established, and man's redemption to be wrought.
12:6. And those parents sacrificing with their own hands
helpless souls, it was thy will to destroy by the hands of
our parents,
12:7. That the land which of all is most dear to thee,
might receive a worthy colony of the children of God.
12:8. Yet even those thou sparedst as men, and didst send
wasps forerunners of thy host, to destroy them by little
and little.
12:9. Not that thou wast unable to bring the wicked under
the just by war, or by cruel beasts, or with one rough word
to destroy them at once:
12:10. But executing thy judgments by degrees, thou gavest
them place of repentance, not being ignorant that they were
a wicked generation, and their malice natural, and that
their thought could never be changed.
12:11. For it was a cursed seed from the beginning: neither
didst thou for fear of any one give pardon to their sins.
12:12. For who shall say to thee: What hast thou done? or
who shall withstand thy judgment? or who shall come before
thee to be a revenger of wicked men? or who shall accuse
thee, if the nations perish, which thou hast made ?
12:13. For there is no other God but thou, who hast care of
all, that thou shouldst shew that thou dost not give
judgment unjustly.
12:14. Neither shall king, nor tyrant, in thy sight inquire
about them whom thou hast destroyed.
12:15. For so much then, as thou art just, thou orderest
all things justly: thinking it not agreeable to the power,
to condemn him who deserveth not to be punished.
12:16. For thy power is the beginning of justice: and
because thou art Lord of all, thou makest thyself gracious
to all.
12:17. For thou shewest thy power, when men will not
believe thee to be absolute in power, and thou convincest
the boldness of them that know thee not.
12:18. But thou being master of power, judgest with
tranquillity, and with great favour disposest of us: for
thy power is at hand when thou wilt.
12:19. But thou hast taught thy people by such works, that
they must be just and humane, and hast made thy children to
be of a good hope: because in judging, thou givest place
for repentance for sins.
12:20. For if thou didst punish the enemies of thy
servants, and that deserved to die, with so great
deliberation, giving them time and place whereby they might
be changed from their wickedness:
12:21. With what circumspection hast thou judged thy own
children, to whose parents thou hast sworn, and made
covenants of good promises?
12:22. Therefore whereas thou chastisest us, thou scourgest
our enemies very many ways, to the end that when we judge
we may think on thy goodness: and when we are judged, we
may hope for thy mercy.
12:23. Wherefore thou hast also greatly tormented them,
who, in their life, have lived foolishly and unjustly, by
the same things which they worshipped.
12:24. For they went astray for a long time in the ways of
error, holding those things for gods which are the most
worthless among beasts, living after the manner of children
without understanding.
12:25. Therefore thou hast sent a judgment upon them, as
senseless children, to mock them.
12:26. But they that were not amended by mockeries and
reprehensions, experienced the worthy judgment of God.
12:27. For seeing, with indignation, that they suffered by
those very things which they took for gods, when they were
destroyed by the same, they acknowledged him the true God,
whom in time past they denied that they knew: for which
cause the end also of their condemnation came upon them.
Wisdom Chapter 13
Idolaters are inexcusable: and those most of all that
worship for gods the works of the hands of men.
13:1. But all men are vain, in whom there is not the
knowledge of God: and who by these good things that are
seen, could not understand him that is, neither by
attending to the works have acknowledged who was the
workman:
13:2. But have imagined either the fire, or the wind, or
the swift air, or the circle of the stars, or the great
water, or the sun and moon, to be the gods that rule the
world.
13:3. With whose beauty, if they, being delighted, took
them to be gods: let them know how much the Lord of them is
more beautiful than they: for the first author of beauty
made all those things.
13:4. Or if they admired their power, and their effects,
let them understand by them, that he that made them, is
mightier than they:
13:5. For by the greatness of the beauty, and of the
creature, the creator of them may be seen, so as to be
known thereby.
13:6. But yet as to these they are less to be blamed. For
they perhaps err, seeking God, and desirous to find him.
13:7. For being conversant among his works, they search:
and they are persuaded that the things are good which are
seen.
13:8. But then again they are not to be pardoned.
13:9. For if they were able to know so much as to make a
judgment of the world: how did they not more easily find
out the Lord thereof?
13:1O. But unhappy are they, and their hope is among the
dead, who have called gods the works of the hand of men,
gold and silver, the inventions of art, and the
resemblances of beasts, or an unprofitable stone the work
of an ancient hand.
13:11. Or if an artist, a carpenter, hath cut down a tree
proper for his use in the wood, and skilfully taken off all
the bark thereof, and with his art, diligently formeth a
vessel profitable for the common uses of life,
13:12. And useth the chips of his work to dress his meat:
13:13. And taking what was left thereof, which is good for
nothing, being a crooked piece of wood, and full of knots,
carveth it diligently when he hath nothing else to do, and
by the skill of his art fashioneth it, and maketh it like
the image of a man:
13:14. Or the resemblance of some beast, laying it over
with vermilion, and painting it red, and covering every
spot that is in it:
13:15. And maketh a convenient dwelling place for it, and
setting it in a wall, and fastening it with iron,
13:16. Providing for it, lest it should fall, knowing that
it is unable to help itself: for it is an image, and hath
need of help.
13:17. And then maketh prayer to it, enquiring concerning
his substance, and his children, or his marriage. And he
is not ashamed to speak to that which hath no life:
13:18. And for health he maketh supplication to the weak,
and for life prayeth to that which is dead, and for help
calleth upon that which is unprofitable:
13:19. And for a good journey he petitioneth him that
cannot walk: and for getting, and for working, and for the
event of all things he asketh him that is unable to do any
thing.
Wisdom Chapter 14
The beginning of worshipping idols: and the effects
thereof.
14:1. Again, another designing to sail, and beginning to
make his voyage through the raging waves, calleth upon a
piece of wood more frail than the wood that carrieth him.
14:2. For this the desire of gain devised, and the workman
built it by his skill.
14:3. But thy providence, O Father, governeth it: for thou
hast made a way even in the sea, and a most sure path among
the waves,
14:4. Shewing that thou art able to save out of all things,
yea, though a man went to sea without art.
14:5. But that the works of thy wisdom might not be idle:
therefore men also trust their lives even to a little wood,
and passing over the sea by ship, are saved.
14:6. And from the beginning also, when the proud giants
perished, the hope of the world fleeing to a vessel, which
was governed by thy hand, left to the world seed of
generation.
14:7. For blessed is the wood, by which justice cometh
14:8. But the idol that is made by hands, is cursed, as
well it, as he that made it: he because he made it; and it
because being frail it is called a god.
14:9. But to God the wicked and his wickedness are hateful
alike.
14:10. For that which is made, together with him that made
it, shall suffer torments.
14:11. Therefore there shall be no respect had even to the
idols of the Gentiles: because the creatures of God are
turned to an abomination, and a temptation to the souls of
men, and a snare to the feet of the unwise.
14:12. For the beginning of fornication is the devising of
idols: and the invention of them is the corruption of life.
14:13. For neither were they from the beginning, neither
shall they be for ever.
14:14. For by the vanity of men they came into the world:
and therefore they shall be found to come shortly to an
end.
14:15. For a father being afflicted with bitter grief, made
to himself the image of his son, who was quickly taken
away: and him who then had died as a man, he began now to
worship as a god, and appointed him rites and sacrifices
among his servants.
14:16. Then, in process of time, wicked custom prevailing,
this error was kept as a law, and statues were worshipped
by the commandment of tyrants.
14:17. And those whom men could not honour in presence,
because they dwelt far off, they brought their resemblance
from afar, and made an express image of the king, whom they
had a mind to honour: that by this their diligence, they
might honour as present, him that was absent.
14:18. And to the worshipping of these, the singular
diligence also of the artificer helped to set forward the
ignorant.
14:19. For he being willing to please him that employed
him, laboured with all his art to make the resemblance in
the best manner.
14:20. And the multitude of men, carried away by the beauty
of the work, took him now for a god, that little before was
but honoured as a man.
14:21. And this was the occasion of deceiving human life:
for men serving either their affection, or their kings,
gave the incommunicable name to stones and wood.
14:22. And it was not enough for them to err about the
knowledge of God, but whereas they lived in a great war of
ignorance, they call so many and so great evils peace.
14:23. For either they sacrifice their own children, or use
hidden sacrifices, or keep watches full of madness,
14:24. So that now they neither keep life, nor marriage
undefiled, but one killeth another through envy, or
grieveth him by adultery:
14:25. And all things are mingled together, blood, murder,
theft, and dissimulation, corruption and unfaithfulness,
tumults and perjury, disquieting of the good,
14:26. Forgetfulness of God, defiling of souls, changing of
nature, disorder in marriage, and the irregularity of
adultery and uncleanness.
14:27. For the worship of abominable idols is the cause,
and the beginning and end of all evil.
14:28. For either they are mad when they are merry: or they
prophesy lies, or they live unjustly, or easily forswear
themselves.
14:29. For whilst they trust in idols, which are without
life, though they swear amiss, they look not to be hurt.
14:30. But for both these things they shall be justly
punished, because they have thought not well of God, giving
heed to idols, and have sworn unjustly, in guile despising
justice.
14:31. For it is not the power of them, by whom they swear,
but the just vengeance of sinners always punisheth the
transgression of the unjust.
Wisdom Chapter 15
The servants of God praise him who hath delivered them from
idolatry; condemning both the makers and the worshippers of
idols.
15:1. But thou, our God, art gracious and true, patient,
and ordering all things in mercy.
15:2. For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy greatness:
and if we sin not, we know that we are counted with thee.
15:3. For to know thee is perfect justice: and to know thy
justice, and thy power, is the root of immortality.
15:4. For the invention of mischievous men hath not
deceived us, nor the shadow of a picture, a fruitless
labour, a graven figure with divers colours,
15:5. The sight whereof enticeth the fool to lust after it,
and he loveth the lifeless figure of a dead image.
15:6. The lovers of evil things deserve to have no better
things to trust in, both they that make them, and they that
love them, and they that worship them.
15:7. The potter also tempering soft earth, with labour
fashioneth every vessel for our service, and of the same
clay he maketh both vessels that are for clean uses, and
likewise such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use
of these vessels, the potter is the judge.
15:8. And of the same clay by a vain labour he maketh a
god: he who a little before was made of earth himself, and
a little after returneth to the same out of which he was
taken, when his life, which was lent him, shall be called
for again.
15:9. But his care is, not that he shall labour, nor that
his life is short, but he striveth with the goldsmiths and
silversmiths: and he endeavoureth to do like the workers in
brass, and counteth it a glory to make vain things.
15:10. For his heart is ashes, and his hope vain earth and
his life more base than clay:
15:11. Forasmuch as he knew not his maker, and him that
inspired into him the soul that worketh, and that breathed
into him a living spirit.
15:12. Yea, and they have counted our life a pastime and
the business of life to be gain, and that we must be
getting every way, even out of evil.
15:13. For that man knoweth that he offendeth above all
others, who of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels, and
graven gods.
15:14. But all the enemies of thy people that hold them in
subjection, are foolish, and unhappy, and proud beyond
measure:
15:15. For they have esteemed all the idols of the heathens
for gods, which neither have the use of eyes to see, nor
noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of
hands to handle, and as for their feet, they are slow to
walk.
15:16. For man made them: and he that borroweth his own
breath, fashioned them. For no man can make a god like to
himself.
15:17. For being mortal himself, he formeth a dead thing
with his wicked hands. For he is better than they whom he
worshippeth, because he indeed hath lived, though he were
mortal, but they never.
15:18. Moreover, they worship also the vilest creatures:
but things without sense, compared to these, are worse than
they.
15:19. Yea, neither by sight can any man see good of these
beasts. But they have fled from the praise of God, and from
his blessing.
Wisdom Chapter 16
God's different dealings with the Egyptians and with his
own people.
16:1. For these things, and by the like things to these,
they were worthily punished, and were destroyed by a
multitude of beasts.
16:2. Instead of which punishment, dealiug well with thy
people, thou gavest them their desire of delicious food, of
a new taste, preparing for them quails for their meat:
16:3. To the end, that they indeed desiring food, by means
of those things that were shewn and sent among them, might
loath even that which was necessary to satisfy their
desire. But these, after suffering want for a short time,
tasted a new meat.
They indeed desiring food, etc... He means the Egyptians;
who were restrained even from that food which was
necessary, by the frogs and the flies that were sent
amongst them, and spoiled all their meats.-Ibid. But
these... Viz., the Israelites.
16:4. For it was requisite that inevitable destruction
should come upon them that exercised tyranny: but to these
it should only be shewn how their enemies were destroyed.
16:5. For when the fierce rage of beasts came upon these,
they were destroyed by the bitings of crooked serpents.
16:6. But thy wrath endured not for ever, but they were
troubled for a short time for their correction, having a
sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the
commandment of thy law.
Sign of salvation... The brazen serpent, an emblem of
Christ our Saviour.
16:7. For he that turned to it, was not healed by that
which he saw, but by thee, the Saviour of all.
16:8. And in this thou didst shew to our enemies, that thou
art he who deliverest from all evil.
16:9. For the bitings of locusts, and of flies, killed
them, and there was found no remedy for their life: because
they were worthy to be destroyed by such things.
16:10. But not even the teeth of venomous serpents overcame
thy children: for thy mercy came and healed them.
16:11. For they were examined for the remembrance of thy
words, and were quickly healed, lest falling into deep
forgetfulness, they might not be able to use thy help.
16:12. For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaster,
that healed them, but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all
things.
16:13. For it is thou, O Lord, that hast power of life and
death, and leadest down to the gates of death, and bringest
back again:
16:14. A man indeed killeth through malice, and when the
spirit is gone forth, it shall not return, neither shall he
call back the soul that is received:
16:15. But it is impossible to escape thy hand:
16:16. For the wicked that denied to know thee, were
scourged by the strength of thy arm, being persecuted by
strange waters, and hail, and rain, and consumed by fire.
16:17. And which was wonderful, in water, which
extinguisheth all things, the fire had more force: for the
world fighteth for the just.
The fire had more force... Viz., when the fire and hail
mingled together laid waste the land of Egypt. Ex. 9.
16:18. For at one time the fire was mitigated, that the
beasts which were sent against the wicked might not be
burnt, but that they might see, and perceive that they were
persecuted by the judgment of God.
16:19. And at another time the fire, above its own power,
burnt in the midst of water, to destroy the fruits of a
wicked land.
16:20. Instead of which things, thou didst feed thy people
with the food of angels, and gavest them bread from heaven,
prepared without labour; having in it all that is
delicious, and the sweetness of every taste.
16:21. For thy sustenance shewed thy sweetness to thy
children, and serving every man's will, it was turned to
what every man liked.
16:22. But snow and ice endured the force of fire, and
melted not: that they might know that the fire, burning in
the hail, and flashing in the rain, destroyed the fruits of
the enemies.
16:23. But this same again, that the just might be
nourished, did even forget its own strength.
16:24. For the creature serving thee, the Creator, is made
fierce against the unjust for their punishment: and abateth
its strength for the benefit of them that trust in thee.
16:25. Therefore even then it was transformed into all
things, and was obedient to thy grace, that nourisheth all,
according to the will of them that desired it of thee:
16:26. That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovedst, might
know that it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth
men, but thy word preserveth them that believe in thee.
16:27. For that which could not be destroyed by fire, being
warmed with a little sunbeam, presently melted away:
16:28. That it might be known to all, that we ought to
prevent the sun to bless thee, and adore thee at the
dawning of the light.
16:29. For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as
the winter's ice, and shall run off as unprofitable water.
Wisdom Chapter 17
The Egyptian darkness.
17:1. For thy judgments, O Lord, are great, and thy words
cannot be expressed: therefore undisciplined souls have
erred.
17:2. For while the wicked thought to be able to have
dominion over the holy nation, they themselves being
fettered with the bonds of darkness, and a long night, shut
up in their houses, lay there exiled from the eternal
providence.
17:3. And while they thought to lie hid in their obscure
sins, they were scattered under a dark veil of
forgetfullness, being horribly afraid, and troubled with
exceeding great astonishment.
17:4. For neither did the den that held them, keep them
from fear: for noises coming down troubled them, and sad
visions appearing to them, affrighted them.
17:5. And no power of fire could give them light, neither
could the bright flames of the stars enlighten that
horrible night.
17:6. But there appeared to them a sudden fire, very
dreadful: and being struck with the fear of that face,
which was not seen, they thought the things which they saw
to be worse:
17:7. And the delusions of their magic art were put down,
and their boasting of wisdom was reproachfully rebuked.
17:8. For they who promised to drive away fears and
troubles from a sick soul, were sick themselves of a fear
worthy to be laughed at.
17:9. For though no terrible thing disturbed them: yet
being scared with the passing by of beasts, and hissing of
serpents, they died for fear and denying that they saw the
air, which could by no means be avoided.
17:10. For whereas wickedness is fearful, it beareth
witness of its condemnation: for a troubled conscience
always forecasteth grievous things.
17:11. For fear is nothing else but a yielding up of the
succours from thought.
17:12. And while there is less expectation from within, the
greater doth it count the ignorance of that cause which
bringeth the torment.
17:13. But they that during that night, in which nothing
could be done, and which came upon them from the lowest and
deepest hell, slept the same sleep,
17:14. Were sometimes molested with the fear of monsters,
sometimes fainted away, their soul failing them: for a
sudden and unlooked for fear was come upon them.
17:15. Moreover, if any of them had fallen down, he was
kept shut up in prison without irons.
17:16. For if any one were a husbandman, or a shepherd, or
a labourer in the field, and was suddenly overtaken, he
endured a necessity from which he could not fly.
17:17. For they were all bound together with one chain of
darkness. Whether it were a whistling wind, or the
melodious voice of birds, among the spreading branches of
trees, or a fall of water running down with violence,
17:18. Or the mighty noise of stones tumbling down, or the
running that could not be seen of beasts playing together,
or the roaring voice of wild beasts, or a rebounding echo
from the highest mountains: these things made them to swoon
for fear.
17:19. For the whole world was enlightened, with a clear
light, and none were hindered in their labours.
17:20. But over them only was spread a heavy night, an
image of that darkness which was to come upon them. But
they were to themselves more grievous than the darkness.
Wisdom Chapter 18
The slaughter of the firstborn in Egypt: the efficacy of
Aaron's intercession, in the sedition on occasion of Core.
18:1. But thy saints had a very great light, and they heard
their voice indeed, but did not see their shape. And
because they also did not suffer the same things, they
glorified thee:
18:2. And they that before had been wronged, gave thanks,
because they were not hurt now: and asked this gift, that
there might be a difference.
18:3. Therefore they received a burning pillar of fire for
a guide of the way which they knew not, and thou gavest
them a harmless sun of a good entertainment.
A harmless sun... A light that should not hurt or molest
them; but that should be an agreeable guest to them.
18:4. The others indeed were worthy to be deprived of
light, and imprisoned in darkness, who kept thy children
shut up, by whom the pure light of the law was to be given
to the world.
18:5. And whereas they thought to kill the babes of the
just: one child being cast forth, and saved to reprove
them, thou tookest away a multitude of their children, and
destroyedst them altogether in a mighty water.
One child... Viz., Moses.
18:6. For that night was known before by our fathers, that
assuredly knowing what oaths they had trusted to, they
might be of better courage.
18:7. So thy people received the salvation of the just, and
destruction of the unjust.
18:8. For as thou didst punish the adversaries so thou
didst also encourage and glorify us.
18:9. For the just children of good men were offering
sacrifice secretly, and they unanimously ordered a law of
justice: that the just should receive both good and evil
alike, singing now the praises of the fathers.
Of good men... Viz., of the patriarchs. Their children, the
Israelites, offered in private the sacrifice of the paschal
lamb; and were regulating what they were to do in their
journey, when that last and most dreadful plague was coming
upon their enemies.
18:10. But on the other side there sounded an ill according
cry of the enemies, and a lamentable mourning was heard for
the children that were bewailed.
18:11. And the servant suffered the same punishment as the
master, and a common man suffered in like manner as the
king.
18:12. So all alike had innumerable dead, with one kind of
death. Neither were the living sufficient to bury them: for
in one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.
The noblest offspring... That is, the firstborn.
18:13. For whereas they would not believe any thing before
by reason of the enchantments, then first upon the
destruction of the firstborn, they acknowledged the people
to be of God.
18:14. For while all things were in quiet silence, and the
night was in the midst of her course,
18:15. Thy Almighty word leaped down from heaven from thy
royal throne, as a fierce conqueror into the midst of the
land of destruction,
18:16. With a sharp sword carrying thy unfeigned
commandment, and he stood and filled all things with death,
and standing on the earth, reached even to heaven.
18:17. Then suddenly visions of evil dreams troubled them,
and fears unlooked for came upon them.
18:18. And one thrown here, another there, half dead,
shewed the cause of his death.
18:19. For the visions that troubled them foreshewed these
things, lest they should perish, and not know why they
suffered these evils.
18:20. But the just also were afterwards touched by an
assault of death, and there was a disturbance of the
multitude in the wilderness: but thy wrath did not long
continue;
18:21. For a blameless man made haste to pry for the
people, bringing forth the shield of his ministry, prayer,
and by incense making supplication, withstood the wrath,
and put an end to the calamity, shewing that he was thy
servant.
18:22. And he overcame the disturbance, not by strength of
body nor with force of arms, but with a word he subdued him
that punished them, alleging the oath and covenant made
with the fathers.
18:23. For when they were now fallen down dead by heaps one
upon another, he stood between and stayed the assault, and
cut off the way to the living.
18:24. For in the priestly robe which he wore, was the
whole world: and in the four rows of the stones, the glory
of the fathers was graven, and thy majesty was written upon
the diadem of his head.
18:26. And to these the destroyer gave place, and was
afraid of them: for the proof only of wrath was enough.
Wisdom Chapter 19
Why God shewed no mercy to the Egyptians. His favour to the
Israelites. All creatures obey God's orders for the service
of the good, and the punishment of the wicked.
19:1. But as to the wicked, even to the end there came upon
them wrath without mercy. For he knew before also what they
would do:
19:2. For when they had given them leave to depart and had
sent them away with great care, they repented and pursued
after them.
19:3. For whilst they were yet mourning, and lamenting at
the graves of the dead, they took up another foolish
device: and pursued them as fugitives whom they had pressed
to be gone:
19:4. For a necessity, of which they were worthy, brought
them to this end: and they lost the remembrance of those
things which had happened, that their punishment might fill
up what was wanting to their torments:
19:5. And that thy people might wonderfully pass through,
but they might find a new death.
19:6. For every creature, according to its kind was
fashioned again as from the beginning, obeying thy
commandments, that thy children might be kept without hurt.
19:7. For a cloud overshadowed their camps and where water
was before, dry land appeared, and in the Red Sea a way
without hindrance, and out of the great deep a springing
field:
19:8. Through which all the nation passed which was
protected with thy hand, seeing thy miracles and wonders.
19:9. For they fed on their food like horses, and they
skipped like lambs, praising thee, O Lord, who hadst
delivered them.
19:10. For they were yet mindful of those things which had
been done in the time of their sojourning, how the ground
brought forth flies instead of cattle, and how the river
cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes.
19:11. And at length they saw a new generation of birds,
when being led by their appetite, they asked for delicate
meats.
19:12. For to satisfy their desire, the quail came up to
them from the sea: and punishments came upon the sinners,
not without foregoing signs by the force of thunders: for
they suffered justly according to their own wickedness.
19:13. For they exercised a more detestable inhospitality
than any: others indeed received not strangers unknown to
them, but these brought their guests into bondage that had
deserved well of them.
19:14. And not only so, but in another respect also they
were worse: for the others against their will received the
strangers.
19:15. But these grievously afflicted them whom they had
received with joy, and who lived under the same laws.
19:16. But they were struck with blindness: as those others
were at the doors of the just man, when they were covered
with sudden darkness, and every one sought the passage of
his own door.
19:17. For while the elements are changed in themselves, as
in an instrument the sound of the quality is changed, yet
all keep their sound: which may clearly be perceived by the
very sight.
Elements are changed, etc... The meaning is, that whatever
changes God wrought in the elements by miracles in favour
of his people, they still kept their harmony by obeying his
will.
19:18. For the things of the land were turned into things
of the water: and the things that before swam in the water
passed upon the land.
19:19. The fire had power in water above its own virtue,
and the water forgot its quenching nature.
19:20. On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh
of corruptible animals walking therein, neither did they
melt that good food, which was apt to melt as ice. For in
all things thou didst magnify thy people, O Lord, and didst
honour them, and didst not despise them, but didst assist
them at all times, and in every place.
That good food... The manna.
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