Wisdom – Chapter 10

Old Testament21 Verses

Chapter Summary

"She preserved him, that was first formed by God, the father of the world, when he was created alone," — so begins Wisdom 10. Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and God's protection and deliverance. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1She preserved him, that was first formed by God, the father of the world, when he was created alone,

2And she brought him out of his sin, and gave him power to govern all things.

3But when the unjust went away from her in his anger, he perished by the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.

4For whose cause, when water destroyed the earth, wisdom healed it again, directing the course of the just by contemptible wood.

5Moreover, 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.

6She delivered the just man, who fled from the wicked that were perishing, when the fire came down upon Pentapolis:

7Whose 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.

8For 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.

9But wisdom hath delivered from sorrow them that attend upon her.

10She 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.

11In the deceit of them that overreached him, she stood by him, and made him honourable.

12She 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.

13She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: she went down with him into the pit.

14And 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.

15She delivered the just people, and blameless seed, from the nations that oppressed them.

16She entered into the soul of the servant of God and stood against dreadful kings in wonders and signs.

17And 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:

18And she brought them through the Red Sea, and carried them over through a great water.

19But 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.

20And they sung to thy holy name, O Lord, and they praised with one accord thy victorious hand.

21For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of infants eloquent.

Important Verses in Wisdom 10

She preserved him, that was first formed by God, the father of the world, when he was created alone,

Wisdom 10:1

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.

Wisdom 10:10

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.

Wisdom 10:14

And they sung to thy holy name, O Lord, and they praised with one accord thy victorious hand.

Wisdom 10:20

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Wisdom was written with greek-speaking Jews facing cultural and religious pressure in view. Chapter 10 of 19 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "She preserved him, that was first formed by God, the father of the world, when he was created alone," It concludes: "For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of infants eloquent. " In terms of historical background, The deuterocanonical Book of Wisdom addressed Jews tempted by Greek philosophy and pagan culture in Alexandria. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About 100-30 BC, in Greek, at Alexandria in Egypt.

Who Wrote It

An Alexandrian Jewish sage writing in Solomon's name

When It Was Written

About 100-30 BC, in Greek, at Alexandria in Egypt

Catholic Commentary

This chapter offers practical instruction on how to live wisely before God in daily life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "She preserved him, that was first formed by God, the father of the world, when he was created alone," The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of divine wisdom and immortality. this deuterocanonical book prepares for the revelation of Christ as Wisdom (CIC 721). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1814).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Wisdom Chapter 10 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Gregory the Great and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. this deuterocanonical book prepares for the revelation of Christ as Wisdom (CIC 721). The passage calls believers to grasp that Wisdom leads to eternal life.

May your reading of Wisdom Chapter 10 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how Wisdom leads to eternal life applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wisdom Chapter 10 about?

Wisdom 10 contains 21 verses. It opens with "She preserved him, that was first formed by God, the father of the world, when he was created alone," and closes with "For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of infants eloquent. ". The book as a whole is wisdom literature (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Wisdom 10?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "She preserved him, that was first formed by God, the father of the world, when he was created alone," It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Wisdom and when?

An Alexandrian Jewish sage writing in Solomon's name. About 100-30 BC, in Greek, at Alexandria in Egypt.

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