The Wisdom of Solomon - What is it?

TL;DR:

Though the Wisdom of Solomon includes important teachings regarding wisdom, its words were not accepted as inspired in the Jewish collection of writings in the Old or New Testament writings.

The Wisdom of Solomon is a significant work of Jewish wisdom literature, traditionally linked to King Solomon, though historical and linguistic evidence shows it was most likely written in Greek around the second century BC—roughly eight hundred years after Solomon’s lifetime—by unknown authors “in his honor” (Muratorian Fragment). The Wisdom of Solomon (also known as The Book of Wisdom) is a book in the collection of writings known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible. As such, it is accepted as Scripture within the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church traditions but is rejected in the Protestant Scriptures.

Its nineteenth chapters are divided into two main sections: the first (chapters 1-9) presents reflections on wisdom from a royal perspective, emphasizing that ungodly living may seem prosperous temporarily but leads to eternal ruin, while the second (chapters 10-19) surveys God’s historical dealings with Israel, from Adam to Moses, highlighting His protection of His people amidst pagan influences.

While many teachings echo Old Testament wisdom literature (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14), the book exhibits clear Hellenistic philosophical influence, particularly in its emphasis on the immortality of the soul (Wisdom 2:23; 3:1-3) rather than resurrection and covenantal promises (Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 26:19; Genesis 17:7; Exodus 19:5-6), and in passages like 7:26, where wisdom is described in near-divine terms. These theological and stylistic divergences contributed to its exclusion from the Jewish and Protestant canons, even though its moral and ethical teachings largely align with Scripture. The Wisdom of Solomon remains valuable, providing insight into intertestamental Jewish thought and the broader development of wisdom literature. Still, not all revered ancient writings are considered divinely inspired Scripture.

from the old testament

While many of the teachings in the Wisdom of Solomon reflect ideas found in Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10) and Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14), it also reflects Hellenistic philosophical influence, which means some of its expressions and reasoning differ from the Hebrew Bible’s style and emphasis. For example, it emphasizes the immortality of the soul (Wisdom 2:23; 3:1-3) in a way more akin to Greek thought, whereas the Old Testament usually focuses on resurrection (Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 26:19) and God’s covenantal promises (Genesis 17:7; Exodus 19:5-6). These differences contributed to Jewish and Protestant skepticism about its canonical authority, even though its moral and theological teachings are largely compatible with Scripture.

from the new testament

The Wisdom of Solomon is located in the Old Testament of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church Bible. But some of its content connects to content in the New Testament. For example, Wisdom 5:1-5 contrasts the future of the wicked with the future of the righteous, a point emphasized in passages like Romans 2:6-8: “He [God] will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking[a] and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.”
Chapters 10–19 of The Wisdom of Solomon recounts God’s work within the nation of Israel, just as Stephen recounted Israel’s history just before he was stoned (Acts 7:2-53).

implications for today

The name of the book makes clear that many believed The Wisdom of Solomon was associated with Solomon of the Old Testament, the son of David who ruled as king over Israel. However, the book was most likely not authored by Solomon but written in Greek rather than in Hebrew (the common language that would have been spoken by King Solomon). Second, the date of writing is uncertain but is generally not believed to be before the second century BC, approximately eight years after the lifetime of Solomon. Third, the early church determined that Solomon was not the author. An early manuscript called the Muratorian fragment notes the book was written by "the friends of Solomon in his honor."

A fairly large work consisting of nineteen chapters, the text divides into two main sections. The first part includes chapters one through nine and includes speculations regarding the view of wisdom. The remaining chapters provide an overview of wisdom from a historical standpoint. The first section is written from the perspective of a king writing to other kings and teaches that ungodly living contrasts with wisdom. While the wicked may appear happier at the moment, their eternal destiny will be dire. The author encourages the kings to, therefore, seek wisdom as it is even more important in their role than it is to the common person. In chapters nine and following, much attention is given to the historical aspects of God's dealings with Israel, covering Adam, Moses, and God's protection of the people of Israel among pagan influences.

In 7:26 we even read, "She [wisdom] is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness." While wisdom is important, this passage lifts up wisdom higher than the biblical books do. This passage seems to equate wisdom with God Himself rather than an important trait for godly living. Along with this, the Hellenistic thinking reflected in The Wisdom of Solomon reveals a good reason why it is not included in the canon. Despite all this, The Wisdom of Solomon can provide historical and ethical insights, especially into the intertestamental period, and it is viewed as a valuable work of wisdom literature rather than canonical Scripture.

understand

The Wisdom of Solomon is an Apocryphal work that offers reflections on righteous living and God’s dealings with Israel.
The Wisdom of Solomon has two sections: reflections on wisdom and the contrast between righteous and ungodly living, and a historical overview of God’s dealings with Israel.
The Wisdom of Solomon’s Hellenistic influence, authorship, and date written led to its exclusion from the Jewish and Protestant Scriptures.

reflect

How does knowing that The Wisdom of Solomon is not considered divinely inspired in the Jewish or Protestant traditions affect the way you view its teachings on wisdom?
How can you apply the moral lessons from The Wisdom of Solomon in your own life, even though it is not part of the canonical Scriptures?
How does The Wisdom of Solomon’s emphasis on wisdom, righteous living, and the contrast between the wicked and the faithful challenge you to examine your own choices?

engage

In the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament and other Jewish writings, The Wisdom of Solomon is listed as one of seven wisdom books along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Sirach. How should Christians discern the value of non-canonical texts like The Wisdom of Solomon while also understanding why it is not considered canon?
How do the Hellenistic influences in The Wisdom of Solomon shape its understanding of the soul compared to the Old Testament’s focus on resurrection?
In what ways can the historical and ethical insights of The Wisdom of Solomon help us better understand Jewish thought in the intertestamental period?