Wisdom of solomon 17:11 - For wickedness, condemned by a witness within, is a coward thing, And, being pressed hard by conscience, always forecasts the worst lot:

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 17:11

What does "Wisdom of solomon 17:11" mean?


This verse from the Wisdom of Solomon (17:11) describes the psychology of someone who is guilty and burdened by their own wickedness. Let's break it down:

"For wickedness, condemned by a witness within, is a coward thing": This means that when someone commits a wicked act, they are judged internally by their own conscience. This internal condemnation makes them feel vulnerable and exposed. The "witness within" is the person's own sense of right and wrong, their innate moral compass, or their understanding of divine law. Because they know they've done wrong, they are essentially a "coward" – they fear the consequences of their actions and are afraid of being discovered or punished.

"And, being pressed hard by conscience, always forecasts the worst lot": The constant nagging of their conscience creates anxiety and fear. The phrase "pressed hard by conscience" indicates that the person cannot escape the feeling of guilt. As a result, they are prone to imagining the worst possible outcomes. They expect the worst because, deep down, they believe they deserve it. Their guilt leads them to anticipate punishment or misfortune.

In essence, the verse suggests that those who commit wicked acts and are aware of their wrongdoing are not at peace. Their guilt acts as a constant tormentor, leading to fear, anxiety, and a sense of impending doom. They are tormented by their own mind because their actions run counter to their inner moral compass. This inner turmoil is a form of punishment in itself.

The passage in Wisdom of Solomon uses the internal torment of the wicked as a contrast to the peace and security of the righteous. The context of the chapter describes the Egyptians during the plagues, their fear and panic are attributed to their wickedness, not just the physical calamities. This verse highlights that the guilt arising from evil deeds is a powerful force that creates fear and anticipates negative consequences.

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