Sessions 218: Wisdom - 1 to 3:9 Immortality With God | Seeking Wisdom And Developing Spiritual Discipline

Written about 100 B.C in Greek by an Alexandrian (Egypt)

“Deuterocanonical” ... Attributed to Solomon (Pseudepigrapha)

Written to counteract the Hellenistic ideas (False Gods, etc) that were popular in Egypt at the time. Written to show that Jewish traditions had superior wisdom.

“New” idea for Jews – Divine Retribution is not always on THIS earth, suffering on this earth does not presuppose a sin. The soul lives on, though still uncertain as to how. Childlessness not a punishment (3:13)

Ch 2:12-20 Some see as a prophecy of Christ’s passion. (Mt 27:41-44)

Ch 5: Judgement, heaven, hell

Ch’s 10-19: The author shows the superiority of the Hebrew God over other gods by giving examples of how God delivered His people throughout history, especially the exodus experience, God has always stood by those who trust Him and they will be rewarded. (at least in the life to come!)

We receive wisdom by praying for it. (Ch 7:7)

Much is said about idolatry (Ch’s 13:10 – 15:17). The idols will pass, as will our own material possessions today. The wisdom of following God is all that will remain.

Developing a daily discipline is a gift of wisdom: to pray, study, perform acts of service.