10 October 2021

Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me;
I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to sceptres and thrones,
and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.

From Wisdom 7:7-11, NRSV

In today’s first reading we hear about the wisdom of Solomon. We discover that Solomon’s wisdom was not something he obtained by his own efforts and experience but something that he received in prayer. For Solomon, the gift of wisdom was a great treasure – worth far more than any earthly treasure or status. The gift of Wisdom brought Solomon closer to knowledge of God and God’s action in the world than anything else could. The book goes on to show how God’s wisdom was at work from the creation of the world and continued throughout all of God’s dealings with his people.

• • Why do you think the author valued wisdom above anything else?
  • How would you define wisdom?

Pray for the gift of wisdom to shine a light on the events or circumstances of your life that you find it difficult to understand.