OET-RV WIS Introduction

Introduction

The Wisdom of Shelomoh (Solomon) urges its readers, especially rulers, to seek wisdom and do what’s right. It begins by comparing people who trust God with those who think that life is short and that they should take whatever pleasure and power they can get. The apparent success of wicked people and the suffering of good people don’t tell the whole story: the book looks beyond death to God’s judgement and the lasting life of those who belong to him.

The middle chapters describe a king’s desire for wisdom and his prayer for God’s help. Wisdom is pictured as a woman who can be loved and welcomed as a lifelong companion. She is worth more than wealth, power, beauty, or health, and enables people to understand what pleases God.

The final part looks back over the experiences of Yisrael (Israel), especially the escape from slavery in Mitsrayim (Egypt). It contrasts God’s care for his people with the punishment of their oppressors, considers his patience with wrongdoers, and exposes the foolishness of worshipping created things. The book connects wise living with knowing the Creator and recognising his work in the world.

The Wisdom of Shelomoh is recognised as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Romaios Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches.

This is still an early look into the unpolished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.