Lady Wisdoms Speaks

A bit of introduction to Wisdom

 The Book Wisdom of Solomon (see passage below) is not often found in common three year lectionary, used by most main stream denominations. The  Book of Wisdom belongs to what is called the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books.  These twelve books where not considered for inclusion in the first official Cannon.  However since the early years, the Roman Catholic Bible included them.  They were also in the first Bible that Luther printed in German.  In more recent years they have begun to be included in newer publication of some translations. The Apocryphal Books are found between the Old and New Testament. 

For some reason I have been drawn to those books.  I don't know if it is because they, were for so long, not apart of the normal reading resources. Or not! 

I am particularly drawn to the Book of Wisdom.  It has much the same message as the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament Cannon.  Lady Wisdom's identity has been the source of much debate.  I am not sure if that is because of the female identification or not.  But I don't think so.  Because some would have you believe that Lady Wisdom is a reference to Jesus. That interpretation comes because Lady Wisdom was with God "at beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago......"(Prov. 8:22f).  

However, I challenge that interpretation!  I identify Lady Wisdom with the Holy Spirit.  "...the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.  Then God said....." (Gen.1:2-3a).

I am convinced that Lady Wisdom was God's first of creations. The one who would be left with us, by Jesus, to "lead us in to all truth."  Jesus was "The Word" spoken by God in the beginning.  The Spirit was the wind that blew over the formless void that created order out of the chaos of nothingness.  

God, Wind, Word!  The three of the Almighty!  At the beginning! 

Now, I will always admit that I could be wrong!  But this time I would need a strong argument to convince me otherwise(;

I invite you to read Lady Wisdom's invitation to listen to her.  

This invitation is so clear and logical.  If you can use the word logical when speaking theologically.  

In this passage she speak first to the attitudes and habits of the powerful leaders.  Then she begins to speak to all:

1 Therefore set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be instructed. 

 

12 Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her. 

 

13 She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.

1 Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. 

 

2 Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. 

 

3 For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into your plans. 

 

4 Because as servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly, nor keep the law, nor walk according to the purpose of God, 

 

5 he will come upon you terribly and swiftly, because severe judgment falls on those in high places. 

 

6 For the lowliest man may be pardoned in mercy, but mighty men will be mightily tested. 

 

7 For the Lord of all will not stand in awe of any one, nor show deference to greatness; because he himself made both small and great, and he takes thought for all alike. 

8 But a strict inquiry is in store for the mighty. 

 

9 To you then, O monarchs, my words are directed, that you may learn wisdom and not transgress. 

 

10 For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness, and those who have been taught them will find a defense. 

 

11 Therefore set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be instructed. 

 

12 Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her. 

13 She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.

 

14 He who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates. 

 

 15 To fix one's thought on her is perfect understanding, and he who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care, 

 

16 because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought. 

 

17 The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction, and concern for instruction is love of her,(Wisdom of Solomon 6:1-17)