Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20
17 The beginning of wisdom[a] is the most sincere desire for instruction,
18 and concern for instruction is love of her,
and love of her is the keeping of her laws,
and giving heed to her laws is assurance of immortality,
19 and immortality brings one near to God,
20 so the desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.
Devotion
The Wisdom of Solomon is included in a collection of intertestamental writings called the Apocrypha. The book is addressed to rulers of the earth, urging them to seek wisdom. Solomon asked God, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people” (2 Chronicles 1:10) We might think that the purpose of wisdom is to be a pathway to salvation and a way to inherit the kingdom. But from Solomon’s perspective, seeking God’s wisdom is a way for us, by heeding God’s law, to govern and live justly in this world. Wisdom helps us manage the affairs of earth. Loving God through living according to God’s laws promises to bring wholeness and healing to the nations. In the understanding of wisdom the logic flows this way: God gives us the kingdom, promising us eternal life, and then calls and empowers us with the wisdom to freely and effectively love our neighbor.
Prayer
God of love, open our hearts to your Wisdom that we may seek to do your will in all areas of our life, that others may find peace and justice in their lives. In Jesus name, Amen.