Wisdom chapter 9

Solomon envisions wisdom as an attendant at the throne of God. He asks that she be dispatched to become his personal assistant.



The Book of Wisdom is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Catholic Churches





VERSE 1. “O God of the fathers, and Lord of mercy, who made all things by your word;


VERSE 2. and by your wisdom you formed man, that he should have dominion over the creatures that were made by you,


VERSE 3. and rule the world in holiness and righteousness, and execute judgement in uprightness of soul;


VERSE 4. give me wisdom, her who sits by you on your thrones. Don’t reject me from among your servants,

give me wisdom. Like Solomon, you too can ask God for wisdom.

sits by you on your thrones. Wisdom is personified as an attendant at the throne of God.


VERSE 5. because I am your servant and the son of your handmaid, a weak and short-lived man, with little power to understand judgement and laws.

with little power to understand. Even the most intelligent humans know nothing compared with the knowledge of God.


VERSE 6. For even if a man is perfect among the sons of men, if the wisdom that comes from you is not with him, he will count for nothing.


VERSE 7. You chose me to be king of your people, and a judge for your sons and daughters.

You chose me to be king. Actually, Solomon became king merely because he was the eldest son of the previous king.


VERSE 8. You gave a command to build a sanctuary on your holy mountain, and an altar in the city where you pitch your tent, a copy of the holy tent which you prepared from the beginning.


VERSE 9. Wisdom is with you and knows your works, and was present when you were making the world, and understands what is pleasing in your eyes, and what is right according to your commandments.


VERSE 10. Send her from the holy heavens, and ask her to come from the throne of your glory, that being present with me she may work, and I may learn what is pleases you well.

Send her from the holy heavens. Wisdom is personified as an ambassador to be sent forth from heaven to become Solomon’s personal assistant.


VERSE 11. For she knows all things and understands, and she will guide me soberly in my actions. She will guard me in her glory.


VERSE 12. So my works will be acceptable. I will judge your people righteously, and I will be worthy of my father’s throne.


VERSE 13. For what man will know the counsel of God? Or who will conceive what the Lord wills?


VERSE 14. For the thoughts of mortals are unstable, and our plans are prone to fail.

thoughts of mortals are unstable. Our thoughts vacillate back and forth.

our plans are prone to fail. The plans of even the wisest of people are prone to fail.


VERSE 15. For a corruptible body weighs down the soul. The earthy frame lies heavy on a mind that is full of cares.


VERSE 16. We can hardly guess the things that are on earth, and we find the things that are close at hand with labor; but who has traced out the things that are in the heavens?


VERSE 17. Who gained knowledge of your counsel, unless you gave wisdom, and sent your holy spirit from the highest?


VERSE 18. It was thus that the ways of those who are on earth were corrected, and men were taught the things that are pleasing to you. They were saved through wisdom.”


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