For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin.
Wisdom 1:1 — Frequently Asked Questions
7 questions
What does Wisdom 1:1 say?
Wisdom 1:1 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek him.”
Where is Wisdom 1:1 in the Bible?
Wisdom 1:1 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of Wisdom, chapter 1, verse 1.
Who wrote Wisdom?
Wisdom is traditionally attributed to Anonymous Hellenistic Jewish sage (pseudonymously Solomon). Written in elegant Greek; the author casts himself in Solomon's voice as a literary convention common in Jewish wisdom literature. It was written c. 50 BC – AD 50.
What is the book of Wisdom about?
The Wisdom of Solomon is a meditation in three movements: the destinies of the righteous and the wicked (chs. 1–5), an extended hymn to personified Wisdom (chs. 6–10), and a retelling of the Exodus showing God's mercy and judgment in salvation history (chs. 11–19). It defends Israel's faith against idolatry, articulates an explicit hope of immortality, and presents Wisdom as a divine attribute "more beautiful than the sun" — language later echoed in New Testament Christology.
What are the major themes of Wisdom?
Wisdom explores themes including Wisdom, Immortality, Righteousness, Providence, Idolatry. These themes shape the meaning and context of Wisdom 1:1.
What translation should I read Wisdom 1:1 in?
Wisdom 1:1 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Wisdom 1:1?
Wisdom 1:1 reads (KJVA): “Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek him.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.