The Book of Wisdom

Wisdom 7:7-11

I prayed, and prudence was given me;

I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

I preferred her to scepter and throne,

and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,

nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;

because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,

and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.

Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,

and I chose to have her rather than the light,

because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.

Yet all good things together came to me in her company,

and countless riches at her hands.

The Book of Wisdom, also known as the Wisdom of Solomon, is believed to have been written around 200 years before Christ, likely during the late 1st century BC. This period was marked by significant cultural and religious challenges for the Jewish people, particularly as they lived amidst Greek paganism and Hellenistic influences following the conquests of Alexander the Great. The book was written primarily for the Jewish community in Alexandria, Egypt, which was a center of Jewish life and scholarship during this time. The author, traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed to provide a defense of Jewish faith and identity against the backdrop of a dominant Greek culture that often promoted polytheism and secularism.

The Book of Wisdom is structured into three main sections:

Exhortation to Embrace Wisdom: The opening chapters encourage readers to seek wisdom and highlight its importance in leading a righteous life.

Praise of Wisdom: The text poetically describes the nature and benefits of wisdom, portraying it as a divine attribute that guides individuals and nations.

Historical Reflection: The latter sections recount Israel's history, emphasizing how wisdom has been a guiding force throughout significant events, such as the Exodus from Egypt. This historical narrative serves to reinforce the idea that wisdom is integral to understanding God's actions and the fate of His people.

As for the first reading from Wisdom 7:7-11, it is a passage which is part of the Deuterocanonical books of the Bible. This text is traditionally attributed to King Solomon and reflects his deep appreciation for wisdom and understanding. Solomon begins by stating that he prayed for understanding, indicating that wisdom is not merely an innate quality but something that can be sought through divine assistance. This emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition of one's limitations in understanding.

He compares wisdom to material wealth and power, stating that he values it more than scepters, thrones, and precious gems. This illustrates the belief that wisdom is far superior to earthly riches and status, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from spiritual and intellectual growth rather than material possessions.

The passage also reflects the idea that wisdom is a gift from God. Solomon acknowledges that the spirit of wisdom came to him, reinforcing the notion that wisdom is divinely inspired and should be revered.