Lesson sequence
Wisdom of Solomon 10: Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood
Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4; Wisdom of Solomon 10:5; Wisdom of Solomon 10:6–9; Wisdom of Solomon 10:10–12; Wisdom of Solomon 10:13–14; Wisdom of Solomon 10:15–21
This passage from the Catholic additional book of Wisdom of Solomon looks back at early human figures through the theme of wisdom. It contrasts wisdom’s guarding help with the ruin that comes when a person turns away from her. This lesson also brings together Wisdom sustains a righteous man amid confused nations, Rescue from burning cities becomes a warning against folly, Wisdom guards a fugitive through labor and conflict, Wisdom accompanies a sold man from confinement to authority, Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea.
Before you teach
Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4 is a short wisdom reflection, not a full retelling. The verses move from the “first formed father”, to an unrighteous man who killed his brother, to a righteous man guided through the flood. In each case, the passage keeps the spotlight on wisdom’s action or absence.
Explain the central teaching of Wisdom of Solomon 10: Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood, using two details from the reading. In this passage, wisdom is shown as the one who guards, strengthens, and guides, while leaving wisdom leads to destruction. This verse teaches that wisdom recognises righteousness, preserves blamelessness before God, and gives strength during testing, even when many people unite in wickedness. This passage teaches that wisdom delivers those who wait on her, while passing wisdom by leaves visible evidence of folly. This passage teaches that wisdom from God guides, protects and instructs a righteous person through danger, labour and conflict. This passage says wisdom stays with the righteous in suffering, delivers from sin, and finally brings truth and honour to light. This passage presents wisdom as delivering, guiding, and enabling praise to the Lord.
Your lesson sequence
Use the teaching outline below for each session, with these reading and activity choices.
Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood
Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4
In this passage, wisdom is shown as the one who guards, strengthens, and guides, while leaving wisdom leads to destruction.
Try together: Use the evidence sheet for Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4. Record key details, compare the opening and closing of this reading, and prepare a short explanation with a supporting Bible reference for each point.
Wisdom sustains a righteous man amid confused nations
Wisdom of Solomon 10:5
This verse teaches that wisdom recognises righteousness, preserves blamelessness before God, and gives strength during testing, even when many people unite in wickedness.
Try together: Use the evidence sheet for Wisdom of Solomon 10:5. Record key details, compare the opening and closing of this reading, and prepare a short explanation with a supporting Bible reference for each point.
Rescue from burning cities becomes a warning against folly
Wisdom of Solomon 10:6–9
This passage teaches that wisdom delivers those who wait on her, while passing wisdom by leaves visible evidence of folly.
Try together: Use the evidence sheet for Wisdom of Solomon 10:6–9. Record key details, compare the opening and closing of this reading, and prepare a short explanation with a supporting Bible reference for each point.
Wisdom guards a fugitive through labor and conflict
Wisdom of Solomon 10:10–12
This passage teaches that wisdom from God guides, protects and instructs a righteous person through danger, labour and conflict.
Try together: Use the evidence sheet for Wisdom of Solomon 10:10–12. Record key details, compare the opening and closing of this reading, and prepare a short explanation with a supporting Bible reference for each point.
Wisdom accompanies a sold man from confinement to authority
Wisdom of Solomon 10:13–14
This passage says wisdom stays with the righteous in suffering, delivers from sin, and finally brings truth and honour to light.
Try together: Use the evidence sheet for Wisdom of Solomon 10:13–14. Record key details, compare the opening and closing of this reading, and prepare a short explanation with a supporting Bible reference for each point.
Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea
Wisdom of Solomon 10:15–21
This passage presents wisdom as delivering, guiding, and enabling praise to the Lord.
Try together: Use the evidence sheet for Wisdom of Solomon 10:15–21. Record key details, compare the opening and closing of this reading, and prepare a short explanation with a supporting Bible reference for each point.
Welcome: Wisdom of Solomon 10: Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood
5 minIntroduce “Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood”, “Wisdom sustains a righteous man amid confused nations”, “Rescue from burning cities becomes a warning against folly”, “Wisdom guards a fugitive through labor and conflict”, “Wisdom accompanies a sold man from confinement to authority”, “Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea” and locate Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4; Wisdom of Solomon 10:5; Wisdom of Solomon 10:6–9; Wisdom of Solomon 10:10–12; Wisdom of Solomon 10:13–14; Wisdom of Solomon 10:15–21. In this passage, wisdom is shown as the one who guards, strengthens, and guides, while leaving wisdom leads to destruction. Invite each learner to name a detail or question they will listen for. Choose the reading for today’s session from the sequence above.
Wisdom of Solomon 10:1, Wisdom of Solomon 10:3, Wisdom of Solomon 10:4
Read and explain the passage
12 minWisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood (Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4): The passage begins with “the first formed father of the world”, who was “created alone”. It says wisdom guarded him “to the end” and delivered him “out of his own transgression”. The emphasis is on wisdom’s care, even where human failure is mentioned.
Wisdom sustains a righteous man amid confused nations (Wisdom of Solomon 10:5): The verse begins with a wide picture: “nations” are “consenting together in wickedness”. This describes shared agreement in evil, not isolated failure. The result is that they “had been confounded”, a word showing confusion or disorder. The passage sets human rebellion and confusion beside the steadiness that wisdom gives.
Rescue from burning cities becomes a warning against folly (Wisdom of Solomon 10:6–9): Verse 6 says that while the ungodly were perishing, wisdom delivered a righteous man. The rescue happened as he fled from fire that descended out of heaven on the five cities. The contrast is sharp: judgement fell, but wisdom is linked with deliverance for the righteous.
Wisdom guards a fugitive through labor and conflict (Wisdom of Solomon 10:10–12): The passage begins with a righteous man fleeing a brother’s wrath, but its main focus is not the chase. It says wisdom guided him in straight paths. That means wisdom leads him rightly. Wisdom also showed him God’s kingdom and gave him knowledge of holy things, pointing to understanding that comes from God.
Wisdom accompanies a sold man from confinement to authority (Wisdom of Solomon 10:13–14): The opening line names "a righteous man" who "was sold". Even there, wisdom "didn’t forsake him". The verse explains her help in direct words: "she delivered him from sin". The stress falls on wisdom’s loyalty and preserving work during a time of wrong and loss.
Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea (Wisdom of Solomon 10:15–21): The opening says wisdom delivered “a holy people and a blameless seed” from “a nation of oppressors”. The rescued group is described by holiness and blamelessness, while their trouble is clearly named as oppression. Wisdom is introduced as the one who brings them out from under that harsh power.
Read the selected verses together, pausing at “Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood”, “Wisdom sustains a righteous man amid confused nations”, “Rescue from burning cities becomes a warning against folly”, “Wisdom guards a fugitive through labor and conflict”, “Wisdom accompanies a sold man from confinement to authority”, “Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea”. Use the source reading below and check the explanation against the words of the passage.
Wisdom of Solomon 10:1, Wisdom of Solomon 10:5, Wisdom of Solomon 10:6, Wisdom of Solomon 10:10, Wisdom of Solomon 10:13, Wisdom of Solomon 10:15
Discuss the details and their meaning
8 minUse the three questions below. Begin with “What actions does the passage say wisdom did for the first formed father?” and allow time to find the supporting verses. This passage presents wisdom as delivering, guiding, and enabling praise to the Lord. Ask learners to explain which details support their answer and to identify a question they would like to explore further.
Wisdom of Solomon 10:1, Wisdom of Solomon 10:2, Wisdom of Solomon 10:10, Wisdom of Solomon 10:19, Wisdom of Solomon 10:20, Wisdom of Solomon 10:21
Make and respond: Wisdom comparison cards
12 minWork on “Wisdom of Solomon 10: Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood: Wisdom comparison cards”. Follow the materials and steps below, using “Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood”, “Wisdom sustains a righteous man amid confused nations”, “Rescue from burning cities becomes a warning against folly”, “Wisdom guards a fugitive through labor and conflict”, “Wisdom accompanies a sold man from confinement to authority”, “Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea” as reading headings. Each learner should include at least two accurate details and their verse references. Share one observation from the finished sheet and explain how it connects with the central teaching.
Wisdom of Solomon 10:1, Wisdom of Solomon 10:11, Wisdom of Solomon 10:21
Closing: return to Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea
3 minRevisit Wisdom of Solomon 10:15–21. Invite a learner to summarise what the group has learned about Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea and another to support the summary with a verse. Give learners a moment to complete their response sheet. They can share a question or, if appropriate for the group, join the optional prayer.
Wisdom of Solomon 10:15, Wisdom of Solomon 10:18, Wisdom of Solomon 10:21
Questions to explore
What actions does the passage say wisdom did for the first formed father?
Stay with the wording of the text: wisdom guarded him, delivered him out of transgression, and gave him strength to rule.
Wisdom of Solomon 10:1, Wisdom of Solomon 10:2
What actions of wisdom are named in verse 10?
List the verbs in the verse and notice that wisdom guides, shows, gives, prospers and multiplies.
Wisdom of Solomon 10:10
What happens after wisdom brings the people through the sea?
Trace the order in the text: the enemies’ end, the righteous response, and the words about mouths and tongues speaking clearly.
Wisdom of Solomon 10:19, Wisdom of Solomon 10:20, Wisdom of Solomon 10:21
Make, think or respond
Wisdom of Solomon 10: Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood: Wisdom comparison cards
What you’ll need
- plain paper or card
- pencils or pens
- a Bible or the source reading on this page
Try it together
- Fold a sheet into three panels or draw three columns. Label them “What the passage commends”, “What it warns against”, “The reason or outcome stated”.
- Read Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4; Wisdom of Solomon 10:5; Wisdom of Solomon 10:6–9; Wisdom of Solomon 10:10–12. Use “Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood”, “Wisdom sustains a righteous man amid confused nations”, “Rescue from burning cities becomes a warning against folly”, “Wisdom guards a fugitive through labor and conflict” as your reading headings and add a short quotation or detail with its verse reference to each panel.
- Compare your notes with a partner. Check that every quotation is accurate and every conclusion has support in the passage.
- Write a proposed everyday example beside one teaching. Label it as your example and explain which words in the text guided it.
The finished sheet keeps the details of Wisdom of Solomon 10: Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood connected to their Bible references and gives the group a way to explain what they noticed.
Adapt for your group
- For learners who need more support, prepare the reading headings “Wisdom’s care is recalled from the first human to the flood”, “Wisdom sustains a righteous man amid confused nations”, “Rescue from burning cities becomes a warning against folly”, “Wisdom guards a fugitive through labor and conflict”, “Wisdom accompanies a sold man from confinement to authority”, “Wisdom delivers an oppressed people through the sea” and let them match short quotations to the correct heading.
- For confident readers, compare two sections of Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4; Wisdom of Solomon 10:5; Wisdom of Solomon 10:6–9; Wisdom of Solomon 10:10–12; Wisdom of Solomon 10:13–14; Wisdom of Solomon 10:15–21. Ask for a written explanation with two supporting references and one question that the text leaves open.
An optional closing prayer
“God, help us listen carefully as we read Wisdom of Solomon 10:1–4; Wisdom of Solomon 10:5; Wisdom of Solomon 10:6–9; Wisdom of Solomon 10:10–12; Wisdom of Solomon 10:13–14; Wisdom of Solomon 10:15–21. Help us understand what we have read, ask thoughtful questions and respond with care for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Wisdom of Solomon 10
1 Wisdom guarded to the end the first formed father of the world, who was created alone, and delivered him out of his own transgression,
2 and gave him strength to rule over all things.
3 But when an unrighteous man fell away from her in his anger, he perished himself in the rage with which he killed his brother.
4 When for his cause the earth was drowning with a flood, wisdom again saved it, guiding the righteous man’s course by a paltry piece of wood.
5 Moreover, when nations consenting together in wickedness had been confounded, wisdom knew the righteous man, and preserved him blameless to God, and kept him strong when his heart yearned toward his child.
6 While the ungodly were perishing, wisdom delivered a righteous man, when he fled from the fire that descended out of heaven on the five cities.
7 To whose wickedness a smoking waste still witnesses, and plants bearing fair fruit that doesn’t ripen, a disbelieving soul has a memorial: a standing pillar of salt.
8 For having passed wisdom by, not only were they disabled from recognising the things which are good, but they also left behind them for their life a monument of their folly, to the end that where they stumbled, they might fail even to be unseen;
9 but wisdom delivered those who waited on her out of troubles.
10 When a righteous man was a fugitive from a brother’s wrath, wisdom guided him in straight paths. She showed him God’s kingdom, and gave him knowledge of holy things. She prospered him in his toils, and multiplied the fruits of his labor.
11 When in their covetousness men dealt harshly with him, she stood by him and made him rich.
12 She guarded him from enemies, and she kept him safe from those who lay in wait. Over his severe conflict, she watched as judge, that he might know that godliness is more powerful than every one.
13 When a righteous man was sold, wisdom didn’t forsake him, but she delivered him from sin. She went down with him into a dungeon,
14 and in bonds she didn’t depart from him, until she brought him the sceptre of a kingdom, and authority over those that dealt like a tyrant with him. She also showed those who had mockingly accused him to be false, and gave him eternal glory.
15 Wisdom delivered a holy people and a blameless seed from a nation of oppressors.
16 She entered into the soul of a servant of the Lord, and withstood terrible kings in wonders and signs.
17 She rendered to holy men a reward of their toils. She guided them along a marvelous way, and became to them a covering in the day-time, and a starry flame through the night.
18 She brought them over the Red sea, and led them through much water;
19 but she drowned their enemies, and she cast them up from the bottom of the deep.
20 Therefore the righteous plundered the ungodly, and they sang praise to your holy name, O Lord, and extolled with one accord your hand that fought for them,
21 because wisdom opened the mouth of the mute, and made the tongues of babes to speak clearly.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.