The Wisdom of Solomon
Chapter 4
1. Behold and praise the glory
of the devoted ones
because their remembrance elevates us
due to their service to God and others.
2. Should the opportunity arrive
one may try to imitate them
and though it may impress others
and reap other benefits
and win over some conflicts
it cannot provide happiness.
3. But the vast cult of wickedness
will never succeed
and impure activities
will gain no roots
and provide no solid foundation.
4. While they may flourish
in some places for a while
because their position is not fastened
they will be shaken by winds
and the force of the winds
will cause their uproot.
5. For their twisted branches
will break and their fruits
will be unprofitable
and sour to eat
and good for nothing.
6. But followers of wicked seeds
become witnesses
against their leaders
in their judgment.
7. But the devoted person
who is protected from death
shall be at peace.
8. For the veneration of years
is not from the duration of time
nor counted by number of years.
A person’s knowledge comes
with
the grey hairs of experience.
8. And a spotless life
becomes apparent
during the elderly years.
9. Such a person pleased God
and was beloved
even while living among wickedness
they become transformed.
10. They rise above
despite the wickedness
that restricts knowledge
and deceit that harms the soul.
11. For the allurement of vanity
obscures goodness
and wandering desires
overwhelms an innocent mind.
13. Created perfectly in the short run
they are satisfied in the long run.
14. Because those souls please God
He quickly removes them
from the depths of abomination.
Yet many see this
and don’t understand
nor do they retain these things
within their hearts.
15. For God’s grace and mercy
belong to His devoted ones
and He honors those
who have chosen Him.
16. But those who are dead
will condemn the living.
Yet youth will also end
and soon become part
of the condemnation of lives.
17. They may see the demise
of a wise man
and not understand
what God designed for them
and why the Almighty
led
them to safety.
18. They can see and despise them
but the Almighty will laugh
while they become embarrassed.
19. And they may fall afterward
without honor and blame
being dead forever.
20. But He will burst
their puffed up silent balloons.
This will shake them
from their very foundations
and lay them to waste
leaving them in sorrow
as they fade from memory.
20. They will come in fear
due to their wickedness.
And their abuses
will stand against them
and convict them.
