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Wisdom of Solomon 8:7

If anyone loves righteousness,
The products of righteousness are the virtues.
For wisdom teaches self-control, discernment, righteousness and courage,
Concerning which things there is nothing more valuable in the life of man.

Encouraging Words

Loving Jesus with all of our hearts and being leads to a life filled with right­eousness. This righteousness from Jesus produces the virtues of self-control, discernment, more righteousness, and courage. These are all gifts that we can receive on our journey to theosis and they are more valuable than everything in life. Glory be to God!

Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-23

So in herself, wisdom is a spirit that is rational,
Holy, only-begotten, manifold, subtle, easily moved, clear,
Undefiled, manifest, invulnerable, loving what is good, keen,
Unhindered, beneficent, man-loving, steadfast, unfailing,
Free from worry, all-powerful, all-surveying,
And penetrating all spirits that are rational, pure, and most subtle.

Encouraging Words

Throughout the wisdom writings of the old testament, we are encouraged to pursue and embrace wisdom. The early church fathers taught that this accounting of wisdom was in reference to Jesus for He is Wisdom. So, following this way of thinking we see all of the characteristics of wisdom pointed out here in these verses as characteristics of Jesus, our Lord. He brings all of these blessings to fruit in the lives of those who love Him and live their lives for Him. Glory be to God!

Wisdom of Solomon 8:5-6

Now if riches are a possession to be desired in life,
What is richer than wisdom, who works all things?
And if discernment shows itself in action,
Who more than wisdom is its craftsman?

Personal Challenge

Wisdom and discernment should be two of the greatest treasures that we pursue in life. These can be applied to everything else in our lives. If we acquire them and use them in a godly way, we will see God’s hand at work in our lives. Glory be to God!

Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16

Wisdom is radiant and unfading
And is easily perceived by those who love her;
For she is found by those who seek her.
She comes upon those who long to know her beforehand.
He who rises early in the morning to seek her
Will not grow weary,
For he will find her sitting at his gates.
For to think deeply about her
Is the perfection of discernment,
And he who keeps watch for her
Will soon be free from worry;
Because she goes about seeking those worthy of her,
And she appears to them favorably in their paths
And meets them in every thought.

Personal Challenge

Our early church fathers identified Wisdom in the old testament as a representation of Jesus Christ. Jesus, Himself, told us that if we seek Him, we will find Him, just as Solomon tells us here that if we seek wisdom, we will find her. We are also told in this passage that wisdom seeks those who are worthy of her. I must ask this question of myself on a regular basis. Am I worthy of Christ? Do I love Him? Do I seek Him? Do I long to know Him? Do I rise early in the morning looking for Him? Do I think deeply about Him? Do I keep watch for Him? If He is not the center of my every thought, desire, and action, then I am not being worthy of Him and all that He has done for me. And then, He still loves me, cares for me, seeks me out, and through His love and mercy, makes me worthy. Lord, have mercy? Lord, here mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Wisdom of Solomon 6:1-3

Listen therefore, O kings, and understand;
Learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.
Give ear, you that rule over multitudes,
And take pride in yourself over a multitude of nations.
For power was given to you from the Lord,
And your lordship from the Most High,
Who will make a careful search of your works
And examine closely your plans.

Personal Challenge

Whether we are followers of Christ or not, we have been put in positions of leadership by the grace of our God. It may be a governmental position, or a work-related one, or one related to our volunteer work, or even that of being a parent. God has put us in that position and God has expectations of how we are going to honor that role, honor Him in that role, and be kind to those whom we are leading. To whom much is given, much is expected. Glory be to God!

Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-16

Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-9

But though a righteous man may die before his time,
He shall be at rest.
For old age is not honored for its length of existence,
Nor measured by its number of years;
But discernment is gray hair for mankind,
And a spotless life is the maturity of old age.

Personal Challenge

Old age is inevitable. We will all have to experience it if we are blessed with many years. No matter how much we exercise and pamper our bodies, that old age will still break us down and win out over our youthful thoughts and desires. What is more important than trying to keep our bodies youthful as long as we live? Learning wisdom and gaining discernment from our Lord Jesus Christ. Striving to live a spotless life in our Lord so that we can stand up before our fellow humans as a beacon pointing to our Lord. This is the opportunity that old age brings for each one of us. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

Wisdom of Solomon 4:2

When virtue is present, people imitate it,
And when it goes away, they long for it.
Throughout one’s lifetime,
Virtue leads the struggle for undefiled prizes,
Wearing a crown and conquering.

Personal Challenge

Where has the value of virtue gone in our society? It has all but disappeared from our postmodern world and people wonder why it is so chaotic. Do we really want the undefiled, godly prizes of life? Do we want to wear crowns of glory and conquer the evils of this world? Then we must pursue the virtues that are important to God and not the ones important to man. Here is a table identifying a good start at seeing what virtues counter various passions (or vices).

Glory be to God!