Who Is Wisdom?

Photo: Karen Streveler, OSB

There is so much wise advice in the Book of Wisdom! This reading from chapter 12 tells me: “You taught your people . . . that those who are righteous must be kind: and you gave your children reason to hope that you would allow them to repent for their sins.”  Who among us would not go to Lady Wisdom who sits at the gate awaiting the one who seeks her?

And Who is Wisdom?  Solomon describes her in chapter 7 of the Book of Wisdom in such a way that one could scarcely resist being deeply attracted  to her!  He says:

There is in wisdom

a spirit that is

intelligent

holy

unique

manifold

subtle

mobile

clear

unpolluted

distinct

invulnerable

loving the good

keen

irresistible

beneficent

humane

steadfast

sure

free from anxiety

all-powerful

overseeing all

and

penetrating

through all spirits

that are

intelligent

pure

and altogether

subtle.

How did Solomon know all of this about Wisdom, we may ask ourselves?  The answer is that he prayed for wisdom. . .and it was granted to him.  Could we do any better than to pray for Wisdom?

Renee Domeier, OSB