First Reading:  Proverbs 8:22-31

The Person of Wisdom

Proverbs was a book of wise sayings. Living according to the direction of the wise enabled the faithful to live in God's Law. Hence, the emphasis on the virtue of wisdom would not be surprising. But, the author of Proverbs wanted to state more. He wanted to vault the virtue to the highest. Wisdom came from God, the author insisted, and had a place of honor in creation..

In these verses, the speaker "wisdom" celebrated its priority in God's creation. First came "wisdom" before anything that was created [8:22-29]. Then, as God created everything, "wisdom" delighted in the Lord's work as his companion [8:30-31]. Finally, "wisdom" beckoned all to follow the Lord's ways (that could be found in Proverbs?) [8:32].

Scholars have fought over the meaning of wisdom's source ("create" in 8:22) and its place in creation ("master craftsman" in verse 8:30). Did Yahweh beget wisdom like a mother? Or did he acquire it as a personal virtue? And, did wisdom have an active part in creation itself? Or, is it the way God created? The argument raged between those who took the language of an independent "wisdom" literally (as a "person") or figuratively (as a personal attribute).

Obviously, Christians have favored the more literal view. They have identified this person of wisdom at various times with the Word (Jesus) or with the Spirit. But, no matter how people interpret the author's meaning of "wisdom," there can be no doubt these passages (and those like them) were critical in the development of Christian view for God as three persons.

Have you sought wisdom? Did you prayer for the virtue? What happened?