Read & explore together
Virtue outlasts a flourishing but rootless lineage
This passage from the Catholic additional book of Wisdom of Solomon compares two kinds of legacy. It says virtue is better remembered and more secure than a large family line that grows without godliness.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In Wisdom of Solomon 4:1–6, the writer speaks in wisdom language rather than telling a story. The passage weighs childlessness with virtue against a flourishing but ungodly offspring, and it measures worth by what endures before God and people. Its images contrast lasting honour with shallow growth.
Wisdom of Solomon 4:1–6Main takeaway
This passage teaches that virtue has lasting honour, while a flourishing line without godliness does not provide secure or lasting profit.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Virtue is called betterThe passage begins with a surprising comparison: childlessness with virtue is said to be better.
Explanation
The passage begins with a surprising comparison: childlessness with virtue is said to be better. The reason given is not outward success but lasting remembrance. Virtue is recognised before God and before people, so its honour does not depend on having descendants.
02Virtue leaves a lasting exampleVerse 2 describes virtue almost like a victor in a contest. When people see it, they imitate it.
Explanation
Verse 2 describes virtue almost like a victor in a contest. When people see it, they imitate it. When it is gone, they still long for it. Its triumph is linked with “prizes that are undefiled”, showing a clean and honourable reward rather than temporary applause.
03Ungodly increase does not give securityThe contrast begins sharply in verse 3. A multiplying brood of the ungodly is said to be unprofitable.
Explanation
The contrast begins sharply in verse 3. A multiplying brood of the ungodly is said to be unprofitable. The picture is of growth without depth. The passage’s language about “offshoots” belongs to this plant image, not a label for children today. Their growth does not take deep root or establish a sure hold.
04Brief flourishing is not lasting strengthVerses 4 to 6 continue the plant imagery. Branches may grow and flourish for a season, yet stand unsure.
Explanation
Verses 4 to 6 continue the plant imagery. Branches may grow and flourish for a season, yet stand unsure. Wind uproots them, branches break before maturity, and fruit never becomes useful. The final line says unlawfully conceived children are witnesses of wickedness against parents when they are investigated, keeping the focus on parents’ wickedness in the passage’s warning.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01According to this passage, why is childlessness with virtue said to be better?
Look for the reason the writer gives in verse 1, especially what is remembered and who recognises it.
02What does verse 2 show people do when virtue is present and when it has departed?
Notice the two responses in the text: one while virtue is seen, and one after it is gone.
03Which images show that ungodly flourishing is temporary and insecure?
List the plant and weather pictures in verses 3 to 5, then connect them to the passage’s warning.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Wisdom of Solomon 4:1–6
1It is better to be childless with virtue, for immortality is in the memory of virtue, because it is recognized both before God and before men.
2When it is present, people imitate it. They long after it when it has departed. Throughout all time it marches, crowned in triumph, victorious in the competition for the prizes that are undefiled.
3But the multiplying brood of the ungodly will be of no profit, and their illegitimate offshoots won’t take deep root, nor will they establish a sure hold.
4For even if they grow branches and flourish for a season, standing unsure, they will be shaken by the wind. They will be uprooted by the violence of winds.
5Their branches will be broken off before they come to maturity. Their fruit will be useless, never ripe to eat, and fit for nothing.
6For unlawfully conceived children are witnesses of wickedness against parents when they are investigated.