Summary of Wisdom
The Wisdom of Solomon, often called the Book of Wisdom, is a deuterocanonical work written in Greek. From King Solomon's perspective, it explores theology and philosophy, urging faithfulness to God in a world shaped by paganism and skepticism, and asserts that true wisdom leads to righteousness and eternal life.
Wisdom 7:25-26"For she is a breath of the power of God, and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nothing defiled gains entrance into her. For she is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness."
Start Your Study
Read Chapter 1
Overview of Wisdom
Likely composed by an anonymous Hellenistic Jew in Alexandria, Egypt, the Book of Wisdom blends Hebrew thought with Greek philosophical concepts. It addresses a Jewish audience facing cultural pressures, aiming to demonstrate the superiority of their ancestral faith. The book argues that God's divine Wisdom guides history, rewards the righteous with immortality, and ensures that justice will ultimately prevail over wickedness.
Structure of Wisdom
The Book of Eschatology: Righteousness and Destiny (1 - 5)
A Call to Justice (1) → The Worldview of the Ungodly (2) → The Vindication of the Righteous (3 - 5)
This section establishes the book's central theme by contrasting the two paths of life: that of the righteous, who pursue wisdom and are promised immortality, and that of the wicked, who embrace materialism and face ultimate judgment. It serves as an assurance to the faithful that their suffering is temporary and their reward is eternal.
The Book of Wisdom: Solomon's Quest (6 - 9)
An Exhortation to Rulers (6) → The Nature and Origin of Wisdom (7 - 8) → Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom (9)
Writing as Solomon, the author presents a detailed discourse on the nature of divine Wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a pure, active, and benevolent spirit from God, the ideal guide for rulers and all who seek righteousness. The section culminates in Solomon's heartfelt prayer to receive this Wisdom to govern justly.
The Book of History: Wisdom's Role in the Exodus (10 - 19)
Wisdom's Guidance of the Patriarchs (10) → The Exodus Reinterpreted (11 - 12; 16 - 19) → A Polemic Against Idolatry (13 - 15)
This final section recounts Israel's salvation history, particularly the events of the Exodus, to illustrate how Wisdom has always protected the righteous and judged their oppressors. Through a series of seven contrasts, it shows how the very things that punished the Egyptians (e.g., water, darkness) became sources of salvation for Israel, proving God's just and wise governance of the world.
How to Read Wisdom
Read the Wisdom of Solomon not as a historical record but as a work of poetic and philosophical theology. Pay attention to how the author uses the respected figure of Solomon to lend authority to his arguments. Notice the blending of traditional Jewish beliefs about God's justice with Hellenistic ideas about the soul and immortality.
- The sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked, their present circumstances, and their final destinies.
- The personification of Wisdom (Sophia) as a divine, feminine agent of God in creation and history.
- The use of historical events, especially the Exodus, as proof of God's justice and wisdom.
Key Takeaway
The Wisdom of Solomon offers a powerful message of hope, asserting that a life of righteousness, guided by God's own Wisdom, is the only path to true understanding and eternal life. It reassures the faithful that despite present injustices, God's perfect justice will ultimately prevail, vindicating the righteous and demonstrating the foolishness of a life lived apart from Him.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Start Your Study
The best way to understand Wisdom is to start reading. Our guide to Chapter 1 breaks down the creation story, its key themes, and its theological importance.
Start Reading Chapter 1