The Hope of the Righteous
Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 1. But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, And no torture will ever touch them. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 2. In the eyes of the undiscerning they seemed to have died, And their departure was considered to be misfortune, Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 3. And their passage from us to be their destruction; But they are at peace. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 4. For though in man's view they were punished, Their hope is full of immortality. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 5. Though chastened in a few things, Great kindness will be shown them, For God tested them and found them worthy of Himself. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 6. He tested them like gold in a furnace And accepted them as a whole burnt offering. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 7. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, And they will run about like sparks through straw. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 8. They will judge nations and rule over peoples, And the Lord shall reign over them unto the ages. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 9. Those who trust in Him will understand truth, And the faithful shall continue with Him in love, Because grace and mercy are upon His elect.
The Plight of the Ungodly
Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 10. But the ungodly shall experience The punishment they themselves plotted, They who rejected the righteous man And rebelled against the Lord. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 11. For whoever despises wisdom and instruction is miserable, And their hope is vain, their labors are useless, And their works are worthless. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 12. Their wives are foolish, And their children are evil, their existence accursed.
The Blessing of Virtue
Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 13. Blessed is the undefiled barren woman Who has not known sexual promiscuity; She shall have fruit in the visitation of souls. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 14. Blessed also is the eunuch who has done no lawless deed, Nor thought evil things against the Lord; For a chosen grace of faith will be given to him, And a delightful portion in the temple of the Lord. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 15. For the fruit of good labors is of good report, And the root of discernment is infallible.
Children of the Ungodly
Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 16. But the children of adulterers shall not reach maturity, And the seed of a lawless bed shall perish. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 17. For even if they live a long time They shall be considered as nothing, And in the end their old age will be accounted a dishonor. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 18. But if they should die young, they would have no hope Nor consolation in the day of decision. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 19. For the end of an unrighteous generation is grievous.