6
Wisdom rescued a righteous man when the ungodly were perishing; he escaped the fire that descended on the Five Cities.
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Evidence of their wickedness still remains: a continually smoking wasteland, plants bearing fruit that does not ripen, and a pillar of salt standing as a monument to an unbelieving soul.
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For because they passed wisdom by, they not only were hindered from recognizing the good, but also left for humankind a reminder of their folly, so that their failures could never go unnoticed.
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Wisdom rescued from troubles those who served her.
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When a righteous man fled from his brother's wrath, she guided him on straight paths; she showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things; she prospered him in his labors, and increased the fruit of his toil.
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When his oppressors were covetous, she stood by him and made him rich.
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She protected him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those who lay in wait for him; in his arduous contest she gave him the victory, so that he might learn that godliness is more powerful than anything else.
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When a righteous man was sold, wisdom did not desert him, but delivered him from sin. She descended with him into the dungeon,
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and when he was in prison she did not leave him, until she brought him the scepter of a kingdom and authority over his masters. Those who accused him she showed to be false, and she gave him everlasting honor.
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A holy people and blameless race wisdom delivered from a nation of oppressors.
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She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, and withstood dread kings with wonders and signs.
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She gave to holy people the reward of their labors; she guided them along a marvelous way, and became a shelter to them by day, and a starry flame through the night.
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She brought them over the Red Sea, and led them through deep waters;
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but she drowned their enemies, and cast them up from the depth of the sea.
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Therefore the righteous plundered the ungodly; they sang hymns, O Lord, to your holy name, and praised with one accord your defending hand;
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for wisdom opened the mouths of those who were mute, and made the tongues of infants speak clearly.