Wisdom – Chapter 4

Old Testament • 20 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 4 of Wisdom begins: "How beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with God and with men." Across its 20 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and wisdom for daily living. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1How beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with God and with men.

2When it is present, they imitate it: and they desire it, when it hath withdrawn itself, and it triumpheth crowned for ever, winning the reward of undefiled conflicts.

3But the multiplied brood of the wicked shall not thrive, and bastard slips shall not take deep root, nor any fast foundation.

4And 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.

5For the branches not being perfect, shall be broken, and their fruits shall be unprofitable, and sour to eat, and fit for nothing.

6For the children that are born of unlawful beds, are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial.

7But the just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be in rest.

8For 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.

9And a spotless life is old age.

10He pleased God, and was beloved, and living among sinners, he was translated.

11He was taken away, lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul.

12For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent mind.

13Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time.

14For 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:

15That the grace of God, and his mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect to his chosen.

16But the just that is dead, condemneth the wicked that are living, and youth soon ended, the long life of the unjust.

17For 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.

18They shall see him, and shall despise him: but the Lord shall laugh them to scorn.

19And 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.

20They shall come with fear at the thought of their sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to convict them.

Important Verses in Wisdom 4

“How beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with God and with men.”

Wisdom 4:1

“He pleased God, and was beloved, and living among sinners, he was translated.”

Wisdom 4:10

“That the grace of God, and his mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect to his chosen.”

Wisdom 4:15

“They shall see him, and shall despise him: but the Lord shall laugh them to scorn.”

Wisdom 4:18

Historical Context

Wisdom addresses greek-speaking Jews facing cultural and religious pressure within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 4 of 19 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 20 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "How beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with…" The final verse reads: "They shall come with fear at the thought of their sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to convict them. " 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: "How beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with God and with men." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

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 854).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. 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

  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • ✓Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.

Reflection for Today

In Wisdom Chapter 4, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of divine wisdom and immortality.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Wisdom Chapter 4 supports that call by drawing attention to the moral law as path to freedom within the wider message that Wisdom leads to eternal life.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 721).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wisdom Chapter 4 about?

Wisdom 4 contains 20 verses. It opens with "How beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with…" and closes with "They shall come with fear at the thought of their sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to convict them. ". The book as a whole is wisdom literature (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Wisdom 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 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." 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.

Related Chapters

Ecclesiastes 12Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison🙏Prayer to the Holy Spirit🙏Prayer to St. Thomas Aquinas

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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