Wisdom Evolution Flashcards
What is the earliest concept of “Wisdom” in ancient texts?
Early wisdom consists of short sayings or speeches offering advice on how to cope with life. These were common in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, and Judah, such as Siduri’s advice to Gilgamesh in The Epic of Gilgamesh (ca. 1800 BCE), emphasizing living in the present and enjoying life’s pleasures.
What is the significance of Wisdom in Proverbs 8?
In Proverbs 8, Wisdom (Hochma) is portrayed as an eternal, personified entity created by God before the earth, acting as a master worker beside Yahweh. This emphasizes Wisdom’s role in the creation of the world and her delight in humanity (Prov 8:22-31).
How is Wisdom depicted in Sirach (Ben Sira)?
In Sirach (ca. 195–180 BCE), Wisdom is presented as an immortal or eternal divine being, specifically given by God to Israel, embodied in the law (Torah). Wisdom is described as coming forth from God, dwelling in heaven, and residing in Israel (Sirach 24:3-9).
How does the Wisdom of Solomon (1st century BCE-1st century CE) differ from earlier depictions of Wisdom?
In the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom is described as a fine, pure substance that pervades the universe. It is seen as an emanation from God, acting as a divine intermediary, connecting God with humanity. Wisdom is portrayed as a breath of God’s power, a spotless mirror of God’s workings (Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-27).
What role does Wisdom play in the Wisdom of Solomon?
Wisdom in the Wisdom of Solomon is portrayed as a “spotless mirror of the working of God” that pervades and penetrates all things. It is described as intelligent, holy, and benevolent, passing into holy souls and making them friends of God and prophets (Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-27).
What is the progression of the concept of Wisdom in biblical literature?
- Stage 1: Early wisdom consists of practical sayings about coping with life (e.g., Gilgamesh).
- Stage 2: In Proverbs, Wisdom is created before the earth, working with Yahweh in creation (Prov 8).
- Stage 3: In Ben Sira, Wisdom is equated with the law (Torah) and dwells in Israel (Sirach 24).
- Stage 4: In the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom becomes a divine emanation, equated with the “word” of God, and penetrates human souls (Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-27).
How does the concept of Wisdom evolve from Proverbs to the Wisdom of Solomon?
In Proverbs, Wisdom is a personified creation helper with God before the earth’s formation (Prov 8). By the time of the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom is seen as a divine substance that permeates the universe, an emanation from God that connects humanity with the divine, and is associated with the concept of the divine “word” (Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-27).
