The apocryphal books of the Bible are frequently overlooked, particularly by those of us who come from non-Roman or non-Orthodox backgrounds. The canonicity of these books is disputed, but even Luther included them in his translation of the Bible - albeit in a separate section which he placed between the Old and New Testaments. It is interesting to note that Luther also appeared to have doubts about the canonicity of Revelation!
Yet there is some amazing stuff in what has become known as 'the Apocrypha'. This passage on wisdom is worth spending some time with.
Wisdom 7:25-30
Wisdom is a breath of the power of God,
and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty;
therefore nothing defiled gains entrance into her.
For she is a reflection of eternal light,
a spotless mirror of the working of God,
and an image of his goodness.
Although she is but one, she can do all things,
and while remaining in herself, she renews all things;
in every generation she passes into holy souls
and makes them friends of God, and prophets;
for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom.
She is more beautiful than the sun,
and excels every constellation of the stars.
Compared with the light she is found to be superior,
for it is succeeded by the night,
but against wisdom evil does not prevail.
Very poetic! In particular, I find this phrase fascinating:
Although she is but one, she can do all things,
and while remaining in herself, she renews all things;
...particularly the second line. I have a mental picture of Wisdom as a dark-haired woman/spirit which, whilst being intrinsically the personification of the Wisdom of God, can pass dancing into our beings and merge with us there.
Do you find that too fanciful?
Jayne
21 April 2010 at 20:30
Not fanciful at all - creative and innovative I would say and what a wonderful way of visualising wisdom! I love the concept of the 'breath of God' not only in this context but in all contexts, it sounds so gentle, caring and loving. Can't just think of the word but wisdom is also non-gender specific (although I like the feminisation of the word!), takes no account of class, intellectual ability and is open to us all if we allow that reflection of eternal light to shine - I sometimes experience moments, particularly in the workplace where wisdom prevails, no matter who is involved, ,at whatever level or role, we all need that light to shine and enable us to see the spotless workings of God - I stand in awe at times.
Another lovely piece Kath, thank you, you take care x
Anonymous
7 May 2010 at 01:18
"The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One [is] understanding." Proverbs 9:10
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
God is Wisdom. He asks us to ask for it when we know we need it. Wisdom comes from Him, is HIm.