The collection of texts known as the Jewish Wisdom-literature or Wisdom-books is mostly found within the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, or at least the complete version of the Bible as used by Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians. We will provide samples below from some of the main Jewish Wisdom-texts.

Some, such as the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach, are not officially classed by Judaism as divinely inspired Scripture, and are thus absent from the Tanakh, the Jewish Bible. In the time of Jesus Christ and the early Church, however, they were included in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures as used by multitudes of Jews in the wider Jewish diaspora of that era. This is how they found their way into the Old Testament of the Christian Bible just a few centuries later, when St. Jerome made his Latin translation of the Bible, with the Old Testament based largely on the Septuagint, called the Vulgate.

Although today’s Judaism, as well as Christian Protestantism, holds that Wisdom, Sirach, and numerous other “apocryphal” books are not divinely inspired, we feel sure that almost any impartial reader will feel them to be vastly more inspired and inspiring than virtually everything else in the whole Old Testament.

As the name suggests, this Wisdom Literature focuses on WISDOM, both as a divine, spiritual Reality and as the practical solution to a happy and fulfilling life on Earth. Such texts thus combine lofty mystical thought with homely, practical advice for application in the commonplace circumstances of mundane life. In this compilation, we are focusing almost exclusively on the first aspect, so as to show the Theosophical nature of these writings. They are not Kabbalistic works but could be described simply as facets of Jewish religio-mystical philosophy.

The key words therein are:

Wisdom – Hokhmah (Hebrew), Sophia (Greek)

Understanding/Insight – Binah (Hebrew), Phronesis (Greek)

Knowledge – Da’at (Hebrew), Gnosis (Greek)

The Book of Proverbs was written in stages, from c. 970 to 400 B.C. Sirach, called Ecclesiasticus in Latin, was written c. 195 to 175 B.C, while the Book of Wisdom or Wisdom of Solomon dates from c. 150 to 50 B.C. It was not literally written by King Solomon (although some of Proverbs most likely was), but is associated with him in name – as are many other texts, including the early Jewish-Christian mystical verses called the Odes of Solomon – due to the emphasis on wisdom, for which Solomon was famed. The text is believed to be by an anonymous Hellenistic Jew (i.e. an adherent of Judaism influenced by Greek philosophy and culture) living in Alexandria, Egypt. The second chapter of the work contains a particularly vivid prophetic description of Jesus and the violent rejection and persecution he would face, but we have not quoted from that part here. Baruch, dating from perhaps 150 to 100 B.C., is technically not one of the Wisdom-books, but we have quoted from it a passage that is very reminiscent of that genre.

As will be seen, “Wisdom” is presented in these works as something that far surpasses the conventional or ordinary definition of simply “being wise.” In the development of the Jewish Wisdom-literature, Wisdom progressively emerges as a primordial cosmic reality, the force or entity which most closely supports and aids the will of the Most High God by serving as the architect and sustainer of the manifested universe, as well as that which endows it with order, reason, and harmony. This sublime Wisdom is identified as the Holy Spirit and – as in virtually all other languages, cultures, and religious traditions – is feminine, both linguistically and descriptively. These texts consistently maintain that man on earth can enter into varying degrees of harmony or unison with Wisdom, which shall be a blessing to himself but, most importantly, to others.

The Greek philosophical term “Logos” – made famous by the Apostle John in the prologue to his Gospel – does not appear in these scriptures but it is safe to say that what is spoken of here as Wisdom is indeed the Divine Logos (or at least an aspect of it) which forms such a fundamental component of the teachings of Theosophy.

The esoterically-minded student of Theosophy may notice certain suggestive words and “hints” or “traces” in some of these passages, which would indicate that their author(s) knew something of the practical side of the Esoteric Doctrine. In a few of her books and articles, H. P. Blavatsky speaks positively of these works. Intriguingly, rather than merely describing them as “ancient,” she states that Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon are “fragments of very ancient manuscripts.”

FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON

Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth; think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart, because he is found by those who do not put him to the test and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him.

For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish, because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul or dwell in a body enslaved to sin.

For the Holy Spirit of discipline will flee from deceit and will leave foolish thoughts behind and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness.

For wisdom is a kindly Spirit, but it will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words, because God is witness of their inmost feelings and a true observer of their hearts and a hearer of their tongues.

Because the Spirit of the Lord has filled the world and that which holds all things together knows what is said, therefore those who utter unrighteous things will not escape notice; and justice, when it punishes, will not pass them by. (1:1-8)

Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.

One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting at the gate.

To fix one’s thought on her is perfect understanding, and one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care, because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought.

The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction, and concern for instruction is love of her, and love of her is the keeping of her laws, and giving heed to her laws is assurance of immortality, and immortality brings one near to God; so the desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.

I will tell you what wisdom is and how she came to be, and I will hide no secrets from you, but I will trace her course from the beginning of creation, and make knowledge of her clear.

The multitude of the wise is the salvation of the world, and a sensible king is the stability of any people. Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit. (6:12-25)

I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called on God, and the Spirit of Wisdom came to me.

I preferred her to sceptres and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her. Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her.

I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases.

All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth. I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom leads them; but I did not know that she was their mother.

I learned without guile and I impart without grudging; I do not hide her wealth, for it is an unfailing treasure for mortals; those who get it obtain friendship with God, commended for the gifts that come from instruction.

May God grant me to speak with judgement, and to have thoughts worthy of what I have received; for he is the guide even of wisdom and the corrector of the wise. For both we and our words are in his hand, as are all understanding and skill in crafts.

For it is he who gave me unerring knowledge of what exists, to know the structure of the world and the activity of the elements; the beginning and end and middle of times, the alternations of the solstices and the changes of the seasons, the cycles of the year and the constellations of the stars, the natures of animals and the tempers of wild animals, the powers of spirits and the thoughts of human beings, the varieties of plants and the virtues of roots; I learned both what is secret and what is manifest, for wisdom, the fashioner of all things, taught me.

There is in her a Spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all, and penetrating through all spirits that are intelligent, pure, and altogether subtle.

For wisdom is more mobile than any motion; because of her pureness she pervades and penetrates all things.

For she 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. (7:7-30)

She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things well.

I loved her and sought her from my youth; I desired to take her for my bride, and became enamoured of her beauty. She glorifies her noble birth by living with God, and the Lord of all loves her.

For she is an initiate in the knowledge of God, and an associate in his works.

If riches are a desirable possession in life, what is richer than wisdom, the active cause of all things? And if understanding is effective, who more than she is fashioner of what exists?

And if anyone loves righteousness, her labours are virtues; for she teaches self-control and prudence, justice and courage; nothing in life is more profitable for mortals than these.

And if anyone longs for wide experience, she knows the things of old, and infers the things to come; she understands turns of speech and the solutions of riddles; she has foreknowledge of signs and wonders and of the outcome of seasons and times.

Therefore I determined to take her to live with me, knowing that she would give me good counsel and encouragement in cares and grief.

Because of her I shall have immortality, and leave an everlasting remembrance to those who come after me. I shall govern peoples, and nations will be subject to me; dread monarchs will be afraid of me when they hear of me; among the people I shall show myself capable, and courageous in war.

When I enter my house, I shall find rest with her; for companionship with her has no bitterness, and life with her has no pain, but gladness and joy.

When I considered these things inwardly, and pondered in my heart that in kinship with wisdom there is immortality, and in friendship with her, pure delight, and in the labours of her hands, unfailing wealth, and in the experience of her company, understanding, and renown in sharing her words, I went about seeking how to get her for myself.

As a child I was naturally gifted, and a good soul fell to my lot; or rather, being good, I entered an undefiled body.

But I perceived that I would not possess wisdom unless God gave her to me — and it was a mark of insight to know whose gift she was — so I appealed to the Lord and implored him, and with my whole heart I said:

“O God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy, who have made all things by your word, and by your wisdom have formed humankind to have dominion over the creatures you have made, and rule the world in holiness and righteousness, and pronounce judgement in uprightness of soul, give me the wisdom that sits by your throne, and do not reject me from among your servants. For I am your servant, the son of your servant-girl, a man who is weak and short-lived, with little understanding of judgement and laws; for even one who is perfect among human beings will be regarded as nothing without the wisdom that comes from you.

“With you is wisdom, she who knows your works and was present when you made the world; she understands what is pleasing in your sight and what is right according to your commandments. Send her forth from the holy heavens, and from the throne of your glory send her, that she may labour at my side, and that I may learn what is pleasing to you. For she knows and understands all things, and she will guide me wisely in my actions and guard me with her glory. Then my works will be acceptable, and I shall judge your people justly, and shall be worthy of the throne of my father. For who can learn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills? For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail; for a perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind. We can hardly guess at what is on earth, and what is at hand we find with labour; but who has traced out what is in the heavens? Who has learned your counsel, unless you have given wisdom and sent your Holy Spirit from on high? And thus the paths of those on earth were set right, and people were taught what pleases you, and were saved by wisdom.” (8:1-9, 13-21, 9:1-7, 9-18)

FROM THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honour you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown. (4:5-9)

Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out:

“To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live. O simple ones, learn prudence; acquire intelligence, you who lack it. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to one who understands and right to those who find knowledge.

“Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

“I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I attain knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have good advice and sound wisdom; I have insight, I have strength.

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honour are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

“The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth — when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil.

“When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master-worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race.” (8:1-31)

Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn her seven pillars.

She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls from the highest places in the town, “You that are simple, turn in here!” To those without sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.” (9:1-8)

FROM THE BOOK OF BARUCH

Learn where there is wisdom, where there is strength, where there is understanding, so that you may at the same time discern where there is length of days, and life, where there is light for the eyes, and peace.

Who has found her place? And who has entered her storehouses?

Who has gone up into heaven, and taken her, and brought her down from the clouds? Who has gone over the sea, and found her, and will buy her for pure gold?

No one knows the way to her, or is concerned about the path to her. But the one who knows all things knows her, he found her by his understanding. (3:9-15, 29-32)

FROM THE BOOK OF SIRACH,
CALLED ECCLESIASTICUS BY MANY CHRISTIANS

My child, from your youth choose discipline, and when you have grey hair you will still find wisdom. Come to her like one who ploughs and sows, and wait for her good harvest. For when you cultivate her you will toil but little, and soon you will eat of her produce.

She seems very harsh to the undisciplined; fools cannot remain with her. She will be like a heavy stone to test them, and they will not delay in casting her aside. For wisdom is like her name; she is not readily perceived by many.

Listen, my child, and accept my judgement; do not reject my counsel. Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her collar. Bend your shoulders and carry her, and do not fret under her bonds.

Come to her with all your soul, and keep her ways with all your might. Search out and seek, and she will become known to you; and when you get hold of her, do not let her go.

For at last you will find the rest she gives, and she will be changed into joy for you. Then her fetters will become for you a strong defence, and her collar a glorious robe. Her yoke is a golden ornament, and her bonds are a cord of blue. You will wear her like a glorious robe, and put her on like a splendid crown.

If you are willing, my child, you can be disciplined, and if you apply yourself you will become clever. If you love to listen you will gain knowledge, and if you pay attention you will become wise.

Stand in the company of the elders. Who is wise? Attach yourself to such a one. Be ready to listen to every godly discourse, and let no wise proverbs escape you.

If you see an intelligent person, rise early to visit him; let your foot wear out his doorstep. Reflect on the statutes of the Lord, and meditate at all times on his commandments. It is he who will give insight to your mind, and your desire for wisdom will be granted. (6:18-37)

The following is from Ch. 24 of Sirach, in the Douay-Rheims translation, which includes passages from the Septuagint-Vulgate transmission that are missing from other translations:

Wisdom . . . shall open her mouth . . . saying:

I came out of the mouth of the most High, the firstborn before all creatures:

I made that in the heavens there should rise light that never faileth, and as a cloud I covered all the earth:

I dwelt in the highest places, and my throne is in a pillar of a cloud.

I alone have compassed the circuit of heaven, and have penetrated into the bottom of the deep, and have walked in the waves of the sea,

And have stood in all the earth: and in every people,

And in every nation I have had the chief rule:

And by my power I have trodden under my feet the hearts of all the high and low: and in all these I sought rest, and I shall abide in the inheritance of the Lord. 

From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him.

And so was I established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honourable people, and in the portion of my God his inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints.

I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree on mount Sion.

I was exalted like a palm tree in Cades, and as a rose plant in Jericho:

As a fair olive tree in the plains, and as a plane tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted.

I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon. and aromatical balm: I yielded a sweet odour like the best myrrh:

And I perfumed my dwelling as storax, and galbanum, and onyx, and aloes, and as the frankincense not cut, and my odour is as the purest balm.

I have stretched out my branches as the turpentine tree, and my branches are of honour and grace.

As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour: and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches.

I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope.

In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue.

Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.

For my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb.

My memory is unto everlasting generations.

He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me, shall not sin.

They that explain me shall have life everlasting.

All these things are the book of life, and the covenant of the most High, and the knowledge of truth.

I, wisdom, have poured out rivers.

I, like a brook out of a river of a mighty water; I, like a channel of a river, and like an aqueduct, came out of paradise.

I said: I will water my garden of plants, and I will water abundantly the fruits of my meadow.

And behold my brook became a great river, and my river came near to a sea:

For I make doctrine to shine forth to all as the morning light, and I will declare it afar off.

I will penetrate to all the lower parts of the earth, and will behold all that sleep, and will enlighten all that hope in the Lord.

I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy, and will leave it to them that seek wisdom, and will not cease to instruct their offspring even to the holy age.

See ye that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all that seek out the truth.

~ * ~

This article may have raised more questions about various things. Please make use of the site search function (the magnifying glass symbol at the top of the page) and visit the Articles page to see the complete list of over 400 articles covering all aspects of Theosophy and the Theosophical Movement. Some which relate closely to this one include:

Kabbalah: The Mystical Side of Judaism, The Book of Job: An Allegory of Initiation, The Logos, The Logoi, and The Seven Highest Beings, The Buddhi Principle, The Elevation of Woman, The Secret of Daiviprakriti – The Light of The Logos, Theosophy and Tibetan Buddhist Tantra (relates to the practical occult aspect of unison with the feminine Wisdom, and the popular abuses of this), and Theosophy vs Antisemitism.

“That which they called their “Bride” was “Occult Truth,” personified as a naked maiden, otherwise called Sophia or Wisdom. . . . Sophia descends as a “bride” to the Adepts, from the higher regions of spirit.”
(H. P. Blavatsky, “Theosophical Articles and Notes” p. 199-200)

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