Solomon the hypocrite?

Since I read the Bible every day, I came across a passage in the book, “The Wisdom of Solomon.” This book is one of the so-called Deuterocanonicals added in the Catholic Bible. The passage that caught my attention was this:

“But children born of adultery or of a forbidden union will die an early death. Yet even if they do live a long time, they will never amount to anything. They will not be respected in their old age, and if they die young, they will have no hope or comfort on Judgment Day. Children born of a forbidden union suffer miserable fate.” (Wisdom 3:16-19)

In the Bible we can also read that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. What did he mean by adultery or forbidden union? He probably did not know what he was talking about or he was just simply a hypocrite.

He had 300 concubines and he was talking of forbidden union. By his prophecy in the passage cited, he condemned his own children.

But another thing. His prediction was not accurate or was simply false. Because at present, we know of certain people, children of forbidden union, simply called illegitimate, who were successful and happy in their lives.

We don’t have to believe or agree with everything written in the Bible. We can even argue against some of its passages. That’s why I find the Bible both intriguing and interesting. And, of course, enlightening too.

So read the Bible by yourself. Do not rely on religious bigots.--Chito E. Germino, Mandaue City