Introduction:
The Wisdom of Solomon, also known simply as the Book of Wisdom, is a deuterocanonical book of the Bible, traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It is included in the Septuagint and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox biblical canons but is considered apocryphal by most Protestant traditions. The book is a rich tapestry of Jewish thought, blending Hellenistic philosophy with Hebrew wisdom literature.

Authorship and Date:
While the book is attributed to Solomon, scholars generally agree that it was written much later, likely in the late first century BC or early first century AD. The true author remains unknown, but the text reflects a Jewish author deeply familiar with Greek culture and philosophy, possibly living in Alexandria, Egypt.

Structure and Content:
The Wisdom of Solomon is divided into three main sections:

1. The Pursuit of Wisdom (Chapters 1-5):
This section emphasizes the moral and ethical dimensions of wisdom. It begins with an exhortation to seek righteousness and wisdom, warning against the folly of wickedness. The text states, "For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free a blasphemer from the guilt of his words" (Wisdom 1:6). The righteous are assured of immortality, while the ungodly face judgment.

2. The Nature and Power of Wisdom (Chapters 6-9):
Here, wisdom is personified and praised as a divine attribute. The author implores rulers to seek wisdom, stating, "Therefore, O kings, be wise and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth" (Wisdom 6:1). Solomon's prayer for wisdom is a central theme, highlighting its role in guiding and sustaining righteous leadership.

3. Wisdom in History (Chapters 10-19):
The final section recounts the role of wisdom throughout Israel's history, from Adam to the Exodus. It illustrates how wisdom has been a guiding force, protecting and delivering the righteous. The narrative underscores the providential care of God, as seen in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.

Theological Themes:
The Wisdom of Solomon explores several key theological themes:

· Divine Wisdom: The book presents wisdom as a divine gift, essential for understanding and living a righteous life. It is portrayed as both a guiding principle and a protective force.

· Immortality and Righteousness: The text emphasizes the immortality of the soul and the ultimate vindication of the righteous. It contrasts the fleeting nature of wickedness with the eternal reward of the just.

· Justice and Judgment: The book underscores God's justice, assuring that the wicked will face divine retribution while the righteous will be rewarded.

· Creation and Providence: The Wisdom of Solomon reflects on God's creation and providential care, highlighting the order and purpose inherent in the world.

Influence and Legacy:
The Wisdom of Solomon has had a significant impact on Christian theology, particularly in its development of the concept of divine wisdom. Its themes resonate with New Testament writings, especially in the portrayal of Christ as the embodiment of divine wisdom. The book's emphasis on immortality and the afterlife has also influenced Christian eschatology.

Conclusion:
The Wisdom of Solomon remains a profound work of Jewish wisdom literature, offering insights into the nature of wisdom, justice, and divine providence. Its integration of Hellenistic and Hebrew thought provides a unique perspective on the spiritual and moral challenges of its time.1 Kings 3:12,16-28
Behold, I have done according to your words: see, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like to you.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 4:29-34
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
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1 Kings 5:12
And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
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1 Kings 10:24
And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
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Wisdom Of Solomon

[WISDOM, THE, OF SOLOMON, BOOK OF]

The History of Solomon
... God gave to Solomon much wisdom and prudence in his heart, like to the gravel that
is in the sea-side, and the sapience and wisdom of Solomon passed and went ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

But it Should be Known that There are Also Other Books which Our ...
... that there are also other books which our fathers call not "Canonical" but
"Ecclesiastical:" that is to say, Wisdom, called the Wisdom of Solomon, and another ...
/.../38 but it should be.htm

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
... The stories told in I Kings iii.16-28, to illustrate the wisdom of Solomon, suggest
the historical basis of the reputation which he enjoyed in the thought of ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/x the hebrew sages and.htm

Appendix.
... the English Bible of which the Readings are made up, and to give in extenso only
the Readings from the Books of Proverbs, and the Wisdom of Solomon, which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the general menaion/appendix.htm

Introduction
... literary study the distinction disappears; and two books of the Apocrypha are of
the highest literary importance,"Ecclesiasticus and The Wisdom of Solomon. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/introduction.htm

Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN LXX. Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom. 8.6.8.6 James Montgomery.
Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom. Almighty God, in humble prayer,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn lxx solomons prayer for.htm

Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom.
... DEVOUT EXERCISES. 459. " Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom. 459. CM Montgomery.
Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom. 1 Almighty God! in humble ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/459 solomons prayer for.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... of the man, to overturn it, and thereby to let the spectators know that he had left
the man; and when this was done, the skill and wisdom of Solomon was shown ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

'A Greater than Solomon'
... saw? He is the 'wisdom' which was traditionally called the 'wisdom of Solomon,'
and which the Queen came from far to hear. Jesus ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a greater than solomon.htm

This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action ...
... The Spirit of God is "one only," "yet manifold" (Wisdom of Solomon
vii.22), and its unity does not prevent its multiplicity. We ...
/.../a short method of prayer and spiritual torrents/chapter xvi this state of.htm

Why is wisdom referred to as a she in Proverbs? | GotQuestions.org

How can I get wisdom from God? | GotQuestions.org

Why are both wisdom and foolishness pictured as women in Proverbs? | GotQuestions.org

Wisdom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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