The Book Of Wisdom 4 7-15 Apr 2026
The Book of Wisdom 4:7-15: A Guide to Living a Virtuous LifeThe Book of Wisdom, also known as the Wisdom of Solomon, is a biblical book that is part of the Deuterocanonical books, which are considered canonical by Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians. The book is attributed to King Solomon, who is said to have written it as a guide for his son and successor, Rehoboam. In chapter 4, verses 7-15, we find a passage that offers valuable insights into the nature of wisdom and how it relates to living a virtuous life. The passage in question reads:
“For I have learned that there is no better thing for them to do but to rejoice and to do good as long as they live; and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God. I have seen everything in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. Be not righteous overmuch, and be not wicked overmuch; why should you die before your time? It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that not let your hand go; but keep yourself from both. There is not a righteous man on earth who does only good and never sins. Therefore do not make yourselves too righteous, neither be too wise; why should you destroy yourself? But do not be too wicked, neither be a fool; why should you die before your time? It is good to take hold of one thing and not let go of the other; for he who fears God shall escape from both.” the book of wisdom 4 7-15
(Wisdom 4:7-15, ESV) In this passage, the author of the Book of Wisdom offers a nuanced view of wisdom and how it relates to living a virtuous life. The author notes that there is no better thing for people to do than to rejoice and do good as long as they live (verse 7). This suggests that wisdom involves finding joy and fulfillment in doing good and living a virtuous life. The Book of Wisdom 4:7-15: A Guide to