CAF Bible Study- The Book of Wisdom Chapter 4

[JAGCath28]

Hey Everyone,

Here is the link to Wisdom Chapter 4 on the USCCB website for the NAB version.

Wisdom Chapter 4

God Bless,

Jessica

 

[JAGCath28]

I found this chapter very interesting. The whole book has so many layers. From the first four chapters it seems that maybe the first layer is simply warning what will happen to the wicked (and just) in eternity. The second layer seems to be a foreshadowing to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

For example, in Chapter 4: 7-19 (shown below)

7
But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest.
8
For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years.
9
Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men, and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age.

I think this is talking about Jesus. Jesus only lived about 33 years before his crucifixion.

10
2 He who pleased God was loved; he who lived among sinners was transported–
11
Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul;
12
For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind.
13
Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career;
14
for his soul was pleasing to the LORD, therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take this into account.

Jesus lived among sinners. All humans are sinners. He was/is perfect.

15
Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.

According to the NAB on the USCCB website, this verse was omitted because it repeated Wisdom 3:9 so I added it in. This verse brings a whole new meaning to the “just man” in my opinion. I think it really affirms that this is talking about Christ.

16
Yes, the just man dead condemns the sinful who live, and youth swiftly completed condemns the many years of the wicked man grown old.
17
For they see the death of the wise man and do not understand what the LORD intended for him, or why he made him secure.
18
They see, and hold him in contempt; but the LORD laughs them to scorn.
19
And they shall afterward become dishonored corpses and an unceasing mockery among the dead. For he shall strike them down speechless and prostrate and rock them to their foundations; They shall be utterly laid waste and shall be in grief and their memory shall perish.

What do you think? Could this be another foreshadowing of those who condemned Christ?

 

[Nita]

I have always found verses 7-14 as being a help in understanding the death of a young person. I think verse 11 in particular - *“Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul” *is a revelation that can lead one to understand how God’s allowing such a death is truly an act of love for the person. Especially when we recall that God can foresee what our earthly future holds in store and how we would respond.

It is also a reminder to us that concern for the eternal welfare of a person is a very important part of loving our neighbor.

Nita

 

[Church_Militant]

From the RSV.

1] Better than this is childlessness with virtue,
for in the memory of virtue is immortality,
because it is known both by God and by men.
2] When it is present, men imitate it,
and they long for it when it has gone;
and throughout all time it marches crowned in triumph,
victor in the contest for prizes that are undefiled.
3] But the prolific brood of the ungodly will be of no use,
and none of their illegitimate seedlings will
strike a deep root
or take a firm hold.

One thing that most Christians do not realize is that in Judaism, progeny was/(still is) considered a form of eternal life, so the bad guy with a host of kids was seen as blessed by God and the barren (as we know from many accounts in the Bible) was considered accursed.

This passage clarifies that and points out that what really matters is virtue and not progeny, something that most people probably agree with today.

 

[Ani_Ibi]

Thanks a lot for your comments on this Chapter, everyone. I had put myself in a bit of a panic from the last Chapter, but feel comforted now. I can see Who is speaking to me again. I wasn’t sure in Chapter 3.