Seeking Divine Wisdom: Exploring Solomon’s Love for Wisdom in Wisdom 7

Executive Summary

Wisdom of Solomon Chapter 7 is a profound meditation on the nature and value of divine wisdom, presented through the voice of King Solomon. This chapter details Solomon’s own humanity and equality with all people, emphasizing that his attainment of wisdom was not due to inherent privilege but through prayer and God’s grace. Solomon describes wisdom as a gift from God, illuminating its characteristics: its incorruptibility, beauty, pervasiveness, and its role as a guide to understanding all things. He further illustrates how wisdom leads to righteousness, peace, and ultimately, communion with God. Through rich imagery and poetic language, Chapter 7 highlights the immeasurable worth of wisdom, urging us to prioritize seeking it above all earthly treasures. Ultimately, the acquisition of divine wisdom transforms not only our understanding of the world but our very being, aligning us closer to the divine image in which we are created. This chapter serves as a timeless reminder that true success and happiness are found not in material wealth or power, but in the pursuit of heavenly wisdom.

The Wisdom of Solomon, Chapter 7, offers a captivating glimpse into the heart and mind of King Solomon, a ruler renowned for his unparalleled wisdom. In this chapter, Solomon reveals that his wisdom wasn’t born from royalty or earthly advantage, but from a sincere plea to God. He equates himself with all humanity, highlighting his common origin and fragility. His journey to acquiring wisdom, detailed herein, serves as a beacon for us all, demonstrating how we too can access the divine insights that illuminate our path and transform our understanding of the world. This chapter is a powerful testament to the profound value and divine origin of divine wisdom.

Commentary Sections

Wisdom’s Universal Origin (Wisdom 7:1-6)

Wisdom 7:1-2 (KJV): I myself also am a mortal man, like to all, and the offspring of him that was first made of the earth, And in my mother’s womb was fashioned to be flesh in the time of ten months, being compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure that came with sleep.

Wisdom 7:1-2 (NKJV): I also am mortal, like all men, And a descendant of him who was first formed from the earth; And in my mother’s womb I was molded into flesh, In a period of ten months, compacted by blood, From the seed of a man and the pleasure of marriage.

Here, Solomon establishes his shared humanity. He emphasizes that he is “mortal, like all men,” born of the earth like Adam. The detailed description of his gestation in the womb underscores the universality of human experience. There is no special privilege based on birthright. This is profoundly important in the Coptic Orthodox context because it reinforces the concept of theosis – becoming like God through grace, not inherent status. Each person, regardless of background, has the potential to grow in wisdom and holiness. St. Athanasius says: “Αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν.” (“For He Himself became man, so that we might become god.” – *De Incarnatione*, 54.3). This passage is a powerful reminder that we all begin at the same starting point and that spiritual growth is accessible to everyone.

Spiritual Application: Recognize your inherent equality with all people. Do not let social status or earthly achievements hinder your pursuit of wisdom. Remember that humility is the foundation for receiving divine grace.

Wisdom 7:3-6 (KJV): And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of all one, and the first voice which I uttered made all to weep. I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and with great care. For there is no king that had any other beginning of birth. For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.

Wisdom 7:3-6 (NKJV): When I was born, I breathed in the common air And fell on the earth, which is shared by all; And my first sound was a cry, like that of all others. I was nursed with care in swaddling cloths. For no king has any different way of coming; There is one entrance for all into life, and one way out.

Solomon continues to highlight the shared human experience from birth to death. The “common air” and “earth, which is shared by all” emphasize our dependence on creation and our interconnectedness. The weeping at birth is a stark reminder of the suffering inherent in the human condition. The phrase “one entrance for all into life, and one way out” is a stark reminder of mortality and the importance of living a life pleasing to God. This resonates strongly with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on asceticism and preparing for the life to come. These verses echo the sentiment expressed in the Book of Job: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there” (Job 1:21).
The urban environment of Jerusalem, with its diverse population and societal strata, would have presented Solomon with a stark contrast between the reality of shared human experiences and the perceived privileges of royalty. These verses emphasize that even a king is subject to the same basic human vulnerabilities and limitations as everyone else.

Spiritual Application: Embrace humility and recognize the shared human experience of suffering and mortality. Live each day with a focus on eternal values rather than fleeting earthly pleasures. Remember that all are equal in the eyes of God. Consider how your actions impact others, recognizing our shared existence.

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom (Wisdom 7:7-12)

Wisdom 7:7 (KJV): Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

Wisdom 7:7 (NKJV): Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given to me; I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

This verse is pivotal. Solomon explicitly states that his wisdom was not self-generated but a direct gift from God, obtained through prayer. This underscores the Coptic Orthodox understanding of grace as the primary source of spiritual growth. We cannot attain true wisdom through our own efforts alone; we must seek it through prayer and dependence on God. This echoes the words of St. Paul: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). The prayer is not a passive wish, but an active and intentional seeking of God. St. Basil the Great writes, “Προσευχὴ ψυχῆς ἀνάβασις εἰς τὸν Θεόν” (“Prayer is the ascent of the soul to God.” – *On Prayer*, 1).

Spiritual Application: Make prayer a central part of your life. Recognize that true wisdom comes from God, not from earthly sources. Cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on divine grace.

Wisdom 7:8-11 (KJV): I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all gold in respect of her is as a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for the light that cometh from her never goeth out. All good things together came to me with her, and innumerable riches in her hands.

Wisdom 7:8-11 (NKJV): I esteemed her more than scepters and thrones; I accounted riches as nothing in comparison of her. Nor did I compare to her any priceless gem, Because all gold in her presence is a little sand, And silver will be considered as clay. I loved her more than health and beauty, And I preferred her to light, because her radiance never ceases. All good things came to me along with her, And countless riches at her hands.

Here, Solomon extols the incomparable value of wisdom, placing it above all earthly treasures: “scepters and thrones,” “riches,” “precious stones,” “health and beauty,” and even “light.” This hyperbolic language emphasizes the transformative power of wisdom and its ability to bring true and lasting fulfillment. The metaphor of gold being like “a little sand” and silver as “clay” powerfully illustrates the insignificance of material wealth compared to the riches of wisdom. This prioritization aligns perfectly with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on seeking heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones. The phrase “All good things came to me along with her” indicates that wisdom is not just an abstract concept but a source of tangible blessings and abundance. This section resonates with the parable of the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44), urging us to prioritize the acquisition of wisdom above all else.

The geographical context of Jerusalem as a center of trade and political power further emphasizes the significance of Solomon’s choice. Surrounded by wealth and influence, he consciously chose wisdom above all these worldly attractions. This reflects a conscious rejection of earthly materialism in favor of spiritual pursuits.

Spiritual Application: Re-evaluate your priorities. Are you prioritizing material wealth and earthly success over spiritual growth and the pursuit of wisdom? Strive to cultivate a love for wisdom that surpasses all other desires.

Wisdom 7:12 (KJV): And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goeth before them: and I knew not that she was the mother of them.

Wisdom 7:12 (NKJV): I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom leads them; But I did not know that she was their mother.

This verse highlights that all good things flow from wisdom. Solomon recognizes that his blessings are a direct result of the wisdom he has received from God. The phrase “I knew not that she was the mother of them” suggests that wisdom is the underlying source and foundation of all good things, even those that may not be immediately apparent. This reinforces the idea that true happiness and fulfillment are rooted in wisdom and that material blessings are ultimately secondary. This is a critical perspective for the Coptic Orthodox Christian who is called to live a life of simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that all blessings flow from God and that wisdom is the key to unlocking true and lasting happiness. Cultivate a spirit of gratitude for the blessings in your life and use them to further God’s kingdom.

Wisdom’s Nature and Attributes (Wisdom 7:22-30)

Wisdom 7:22-23 (KJV): For wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for in her is an understanding spirit holy, one only, manifold, subtle, lively, clear, undefiled, plain, not subject to hurt, loving the thing that is good, quick, which cannot be letted, ready to do good, Kind to man, steadfast, sure, free from care, having all power, overseeing all things, and going through all understanding, pure, and most subtil spirits.

Wisdom 7:22-23 (NKJV): For wisdom, which is the fashioner of all things, taught me; For in her is a spirit of understanding, holy, Unique, manifold, subtle, Mobile, clear, unpolluted, Distinct, invulnerable, loving what is 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.

This section provides a rich and detailed description of the attributes of wisdom. It is described as “the worker of all things,” indicating its creative and sustaining power. The long list of adjectives highlights its multifaceted nature: “understanding, holy, one only, manifold, subtle, lively, clear, undefiled,” etc. These attributes reflect the divine nature of wisdom and its ability to illuminate and transform all things. This echoes the Nicene Creed where we affirm the divinity of Christ, the Word of God, through whom all things were made. The description of wisdom as “loving the thing that is good” and “ready to do good” emphasizes its ethical dimension and its connection to righteousness. The attributes of Wisdom also resonate with the attributes of the Holy Spirit within the Coptic Orthodox understanding of the Holy Trinity.

Spiritual Application: Meditate on the attributes of wisdom and strive to cultivate them in your own life. Seek to embody the virtues of understanding, holiness, clarity, and love in your thoughts, words, and actions. Allow wisdom to guide your decisions and shape your character.

Wisdom 7:24-30 (KJV): For wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and goeth through all things by reason of her pureness. For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her. For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness. And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in herself, she maketh all things new: and in all ages entering into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God, and prophets. For God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom. For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of stars: being compared with the light, she is found before it. For after this cometh night: but vice shall not prevail against wisdom.

Wisdom 7:24-30 (NKJV): For wisdom is more mobile than any motion; Because of her purity, she pervades and penetrates all things. For she is the breath of the power of God, And a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; Therefore nothing defiled gains entrance into her. For she is the radiance of eternal light, A spotless mirror of the working of God, And an image of His goodness. Though she is one, she can do all things, And while remaining in herself, she renews all things; In every generation she passes into holy souls And makes them friends of God, and prophets; For God loves nothing so much as the one who lives with wisdom. For she is more beautiful than the sun, And excels every constellation of the stars; Compared with the light, she takes precedence; For night follows after, But evil never prevails over wisdom.

These verses offer some of the most profound and beautiful descriptions of wisdom in the entire Bible. Wisdom is described as “more moving than any motion” and “the breath of the power of God,” highlighting its dynamic and divine nature. It is depicted as “the brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness,” connecting it directly to the divine essence. This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of Christ as the Logos, the Word of God, who is the perfect image of the Father.
The phrase “in all ages entering into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God, and prophets” emphasizes wisdom’s transformative power and its ability to elevate human beings to a state of communion with God. This section is a powerful testament to the immeasurable value and divine origin of wisdom, urging us to seek it above all else. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes: “Ὁ γὰρ Λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ σοφία ἐστί.” (“For the Word of God is wisdom.” – *Commentary on John*, 1.9).
Archaeological findings in the ancient city of Jerusalem, such as remnants of palaces and religious structures, provide tangible evidence of Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom and his dedication to building a society founded on divine principles. The architectural grandeur and the emphasis on justice and righteousness in Solomon’s reign reflect the practical application of wisdom in governance and social life.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a deep reverence for wisdom and seek to dwell in its presence. Recognize that wisdom is a divine gift that can transform your life and lead you to a deeper relationship with God. Allow wisdom to guide your decisions and shape your understanding of the world.

Key Reflections on Wisdom

The Wisdom of Solomon, chapter 7, presents multifaceted insights into divine wisdom. Here are a few key reflections:

• ✨ Wisdom transcends earthly possessions: Solomon deliberately chooses wisdom over material wealth and power, illustrating its supreme value. This challenges us to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly gain.
• 💡 Wisdom is accessible through prayer: Solomon’s attainment of wisdom through prayer underscores the importance of seeking God’s guidance. It reminds us that divine wisdom is not a privilege but a gift available to all who earnestly seek it.
• 📖 Wisdom is a divine attribute: The chapter portrays wisdom as emanating from God, emphasizing its divine nature. This deepens our understanding of God’s presence and activity in the world.
• 📜 Wisdom transforms lives: Wisdom’s ability to make people “friends of God, and prophets” illustrates its transformative power. It highlights the potential for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.
• 🕊️ Wisdom leads to righteousness: The connection between wisdom and ethical behavior underscores its role as a guide to righteous living. This encourages us to align our actions with divine principles. Learn about effective SEO strategies for your website.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Wisdom of Solomon Chapter 7:

Q: Why does Solomon emphasize his shared humanity?

A: Solomon highlights his common origin and mortality to demonstrate that wisdom is not exclusive to the powerful or privileged but is available to all who seek it through prayer and God’s grace. This emphasis on equality is crucial for understanding that true spiritual growth is accessible to everyone.

Q: How does this chapter relate to the Coptic Orthodox concept of *theosis*?

A: Chapter 7 resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox concept of *theosis* (divinization), as it illustrates how wisdom, a divine attribute, can transform human beings and draw them closer to God. By embracing wisdom, we participate more fully in the divine nature, becoming more like God through grace.

Q: What are the practical implications of prioritizing wisdom over material possessions?

A: Prioritizing wisdom encourages a shift in focus from fleeting earthly pleasures to lasting spiritual values. It fosters contentment, reduces anxiety, and leads to a life of purpose and meaning, aligned with God’s will. True and lasting happiness can be found in the pursuit of divine wisdom.

Conclusion

Wisdom of Solomon Chapter 7 is a timeless invitation to seek divine wisdom above all earthly treasures. Through Solomon’s personal testimony, we learn that wisdom is not an inherent trait but a gift from God, accessible through prayer and a humble heart. The chapter beautifully depicts wisdom as a divine attribute, intimately connected to God’s essence, and possessing the power to transform lives, leading us to righteousness and communion with God. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to emulate Solomon’s example, prioritizing the pursuit of heavenly wisdom over fleeting worldly gains. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that true success and fulfillment are found not in material wealth or earthly power, but in aligning our hearts and minds with the divine. Embrace this wisdom, and you will find true understanding and peace.

Tags

Wisdom of Solomon, Divine Wisdom, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic Theology, Solomon’s Prayer, Virtue, Humility, Spiritual Growth, Theosis, Prayer, Wisdom 7

Meta Description

Explore the Wisdom of Solomon 7 with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover the divine origin and value of wisdom, Solomon’s journey, and its transformative power. Learn how to seek divine wisdom.