 |
|
|
|
|
Wisdom |
 Apocryphal
book written in Alexandria about the middle of the
first century B.C. Wisdom consists of three
independent parts which have no real connection, and
which treat subjects that are altogether different.
The first six chapters of Wisdom form an address to
the rulers of the earth . They accentuate the
necessity of wisdom as indispensable to rulers ,
although they are chiefly directed against the
Epicureans, the ungodly who deny immortality,
indulge in lust and incest, and mock the righteous
and the learned, who in their turn upbraid them for
their lawlessness and licentiousness. In contrast
with them the "saints" whom they expose to
torture and to a martyr's death are called
"sons of God," initiated into His mystery, promised
an inheritance in eternal life like Enoch, and
assured of a crown of glory in the world to come .
Finally, wisdom is introduced in as the speaker, and
as the one who bestows the divine kingdom and
confers immortality; whereas sin brings death, since
"through envy of the devil came death into the
world". The second part contains an address of King
Solomon, relating how his life was guided solely by
wisdom, and closing with a prayer offered by him to
God that he might obtain her. Here wisdom is
represented as a mystic power which imparts not only
knowledge of all mysteries and the spirit of
prophecy, but even immortality, while it is also a
cosmic force invested with twenty-one divine
attributes, this number being either a triple
multiple of seven, or, if originally twenty-two
instead of twenty-one, corresponding to the
twenty-two letters of the Greek alphabet. At the
same time, wisdom, as in the Platonic system, is
believed to teach the four cardinal virtues of
temperance, prudence, justice, and fortitude. The
prayer of Solomon refers to the heavenly tabernacle
prepared from the beginning, and to his own
predestination. Wisdom is described as a cosmic
principle dwelling on the throne of glory next to
God, and as knowing and designing all things, being
identical with the creative Word and the Holy
Spirit. |
View the Chapters Of Wisdom:
|
|
|
|
RSS Feeds
|
Privacy Policy
|
Terms of Service
|
Site Credits
|
Contact Us
