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Wisdom 4:1-3
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom 4:1-3
New Catholic Bible
Chapter 4
1 Far better than this is childlessness accompanied by virtue,[a]
for immortality is gained by a remembrance of virtue,
since it is acknowledged both by God and by men.
2 When it is present, men imitate it,
and they long for it in its absence.
And throughout eternity it marches crowned in triumph,
victorious in the struggle for prizes that are undefiled.[b]
3 However, the prolific progeny of the wicked will avail nothing;
none of their illegitimate stock will put forth deep roots
or lay a firm foundation.
Footnotes
- Wisdom 4:1 The Liturgy applies this verse in its Latin translation to the glory of virginity: “Oh, how beautiful is the chaste generation in its glory.”
- Wisdom 4:2 Paul uses the image of sporting competition in 1 Cor 9:24-27.
