Wisdom of solomon 2:10 - Let us oppress the righteous poor; Let us not spare the widow, Nor reverence the hairs of the old man gray for length of years.

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 2:10

What does "Wisdom of solomon 2:10" mean?


This verse, from Wisdom of Solomon 2:10, expresses the cynical and ruthless philosophy of the wicked in the book. It essentially lays out a plan of action based on opportunistic exploitation and disregard for morality:

"Let us oppress the righteous poor": This is a direct attack on those who are morally upright ("righteous") and vulnerable ("poor"). The wicked see their poverty not as a reason for compassion, but as an opportunity to take advantage of them. They see them as powerless and easy to exploit.

"Let us not spare the widow": Widows in ancient times were often in a precarious position, lacking the support of a husband and often facing economic hardship. To not spare them indicates a complete lack of empathy and a willingness to take advantage of their vulnerability.

"Nor reverence the hairs of the old man gray for length of years": Respect for elders was a deeply ingrained value in many ancient societies. The grey hair ("hairs of the old man gray") symbolizes wisdom, experience, and the natural order of things. To disregard this means rejecting traditional values and showing contempt for wisdom and authority. It's a rejection of the cycle of life and a declaration that only the present moment and immediate gratification matter.

In summary, the verse highlights:

Moral bankruptcy: The speakers have no ethical compass and are willing to harm anyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Exploitation of the vulnerable: They actively target those who are weak and defenseless.
Rejection of traditional values: They disregard respect for elders and the wisdom that comes with age.
Cynical worldview: This verse represents a materialistic and self-serving perspective where power and pleasure are the only things that matter. They believe they can get away with their actions and will suffer no consequences.

The Book of Wisdom then goes on to contrast this philosophy with the wisdom of God and to show that their actions will ultimately lead to destruction.