Seeking Wisdom (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

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Since the Book of Wisdom falls in the genre of Wisdom literature, a significant portion of the book is dedicated to extolling Wisdom, personifying wisdom and extolling her virtues, which are really the fruits of one who possesses Wisdom. This closely mirrors the first three chapters of Proverbs, which is similarly an exhortation to obtain her. One thinks, for example, of the famous verse “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7). The passage also echoes 1 Kings 3, where God offers Solomon anything he wanted, and Solomon chose to ask for understanding of mind to govern his people and discern good from evil.

Later on, the chapter lists for us the virtues of Wisdom, which are what she promises to those who obtain her:

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

unique, manifold, subtle,

mobile, clear, unpolluted,

distinct, invulnerable, loving the 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. (Wisdom 7:22-23)

This list of virtues is reminiscent of the “Fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23, where St. Paul writes that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” This teaches that true wisdom is only made possible by the Holy Spirit, who imparts her virtues to those on in whom He dwells.

Finally, one cannot miss the importance of prayer in these passages. The author receives wisdom because he prays to receive it. Similarly, St. James writes, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” (James 1:5). Therefore, the key to wisdom is prayer, coupled with a healthy spiritual life of regular participation in the sacraments and reflection on God’s word.

J. Luis Dizon