Solomon’s Respect for Wisdom

(1 Kings 3:3–9; Wis 9:1–18)

7 Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me;

I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

8 I preferred her to scepters and thrones,

and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.

9 Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem,

because all gold is but a little sand in her sight,

and silver will be accounted as clay before her.

10 I loved her more than health and beauty,

and I chose to have her rather than light,

because her radiance never ceases.

11 All good things came to me along with her,

and in her hands uncounted wealth.

12 I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom leads them;

but I did not know that she was their mother.

13 I learned without guile and I impart without grudging;

I do not hide her wealth,

14 for it is an unfailing treasure for mortals;

those who get it obtain friendship with God,

commended for the gifts that come from instruction.

Solomon Prays for Wisdom

15 May God grant me to speak with judgment,

and to have thoughts worthy of what I have received;

for he is the guide even of wisdom

and the corrector of the wise.

16 For both we and our words are in his hand,

as are all understanding and skill in crafts.

17 For it is he who gave me unerring knowledge of what exists,

to know the structure of the world and the activity of the elements;

18 the beginning and end and middle of times,

the alternations of the solstices and the changes of the seasons,

19 the cycles of the year and the constellations of the stars,

20 the natures of animals and the tempers of wild animals,

the powers of spiritsa and the thoughts of human beings,

the varieties of plants and the virtues of roots;

21 I learned both what is secret and what is manifest,

22 for wisdom, the fashioner of all things, taught me.

The Nature of Wisdom

(Jn 1:1–14; Heb 1:1–4)

There is in her a spirit that is intelligent, holy,

unique, manifold, subtle,

mobile, clear, unpolluted,

distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen,

irresistible,