Why is the Book of Wisdom in the Bible?

[ahs]

Even according to Catholic Encyclopedia (newadvent.org/cathen/15666a.htm), the Book of Wisdom was probably not written by King Solomon and the authorship is therefore unknown. If we don’t know who wrote it, why is it in the Bible? I am not sure if this is correct, but according to Wikipedia, not even the Jews consider it as a part of their official scriptures…thoughts?

The answer to your question is explained in great detail on that same site under “Canon of Old Testament” newadvent.org/cathen/03267a.htm

It’s a lengthy read, but very informative. Short version = because it is part of the Scriptures of the Greek Jews (Septuagint), which is the version that the NT references the vast majority of the time and is the one the first Christians accepted as their Scriptures.

 

[777rak]

Hello I have a couple of questions about this book. My questions are a couple of passage from this book that don’t seem to make sense at least to me being a revert Catholic.

Wisdom Chapter 2

7

Let us have our fill of costly wine and perfumes, and let no springtime blossom pass us by;

10

Let us oppress the needy just man; let us neither spare the widow nor revere the old man for his hair grown white with time.

vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/__PLJ.HTM

Let me know if you have any other questions or do not understand me.

Thanks

Sincerely

777rak

 

[cc42]

777rak:

Without looking at the context I am guessing that those passages are the views of people who live vapid lives, which the beginning of the book of Wisdom attacks. Not the way we should live out our own lives.

 

[cc42]

jink1019:

I think that the comparison of the inspiration of scripture to the Eucharist is a ver valid one. The substance of the words are inspired but the accidents (meaning the words themselves) are written by men so are like the appearance of bread.

It does not matter who wrote Wisdom because as people have pointed out the work is considered to be inspired which is what the Church tells us and she is guided by the Holy Spirit.

Though, I understand why it might seem important to you as to why it is attributed to Solomon eventhough Solomon did not write it as even early Church figures knew.

In the ancient world works were attributed to past famous figures in order to give them more authority or reminsiscense. So when this book was written everyone knew it was not by Solomon it was more of like a tribute to Solomon. The book is actually a tribute to Solomon’s wisdom so the name of the book actually does not infer that it was written by Solomon. The evidence that we have that might indicate that it was written by Solomon is because one of the passages talks about inheriting the kingdom of his father and may allude to words of King Solomon from earlier in the Old Testament and it is assumed that the author is speaking in the voice of King Solomon. An interesting commentary I read said that perhaps the passage could be applied to Christ. The book is clearly inspired though as if you read the first couple of chapters you will see clear allusions to christ’s passion.

“Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life; for if the righteous man is God’s child, he will help him, and deliver him from the hand of his adversaries. Let us test him with insult and torture, so that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. Let us condemn him to a shameful death for, according to what he says, he will be protected” (Wis. 2: 17- 20).

 

[777rak]

777rak:

Without looking at the context I am guessing that those passages are the views of people who live vapid lives, which the beginning of the book of Wisdom attacks. Not the way we should live out our own lives.

Ah that makes better sense seeing how at the end of Chapter 2

21

These were their thoughts, but they erred; for their wickedness blinded them,

Thanks for clearing that up/making me better understand that.

 

[777rak]

I would like to know why the Didache is not in the bible. It deals with so many controversial issues that antiCatholics could not argue against.

Good point to bring up!!