Sin and Virtue: Consequences of the Fundamental Choice between Death and Wisdom in the Book of Wisdom
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/BPTh.2023.025Keywords
Wisdom, spousal metaphor, death, virtue, blondAbstract
The author of the Book of Wisdom constantly juxtaposes opposing realities so that using comparison (synkrisis), he can more profoundly show the differences between them. In the first part of his Book, he contrasts the righteous with the ungodly. He analyzes their attitudes and choices in terms of the consequences in their earthly lives and after death. He juxtaposes the integrity and virtue of the righteous with the sin and immorality of the unrighteous. Attitudes are related to the free decision of every individual, but also seem to stem from the first, fundamental choice between death and Wisdom, which is made by both groups. The author emphasizes that this choice is fundamental, as it inspires specific moral decisions and attitudes. When describing the fascination with death and Wisdom, he uses images and vocabulary that suggest a deep connection, a spousal relationship or a desire for closeness, evidently showing the diametrically distant effects of this relationship. The fascination with death leads to fear, misconduct and spiritual death, while the spousal relationship with Wisdom guarantees a life of righteousness on earth and blissful immortality.
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