SUMMARY
Those who find wisdomWisdom encompasses the qualities of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, which sometimes invokes a Woman as the personification of Wisdom, is a collection of aphorisms and moral teachings. Along with other biblical passages, it teaches, "The fear of the... More are blessed in a myriad of ways.
ANALYSIS
This passage begins “Happy are those who find wisdom…” The word here translated “happy” can also be translated “blessed,” thereby connecting us to such places as PsalmA psalm is a song of praise. In the Old Testament 150 psalms comprise the psalter, although some of the psalms are laments and thanksgivings. In the New Testament early Christians gathered to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. More 1 and the Beatitudes. (See “Proverbial Teaching in the New Testament: Proverbs, Parables, and Beatitudes” entry in Bible in the World – Proverbs.)
The description of wisdom in the third person which follows adds a good deal to the overall picture of Woman Wisdom in Proverbs. She is pictured as of more value than silver, gold, and jewels. And the specific image pictured in verse 16 is highly significant:
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Such an image conjures up images of the Egyptian Goddess Ma’at who is represented holding an ANKH in one hand and a scepter in another. (See “Connections between Woman Wisdom and Egyptian Goddess Ma’at” entry in Bible in the World – Proverbs.) Such an image might even call to mind Queen Elizabeth the First. Wisdom walks in certain ways/paths, and “she is a tree of lifeIn the Garden of Eden, the tree of life is the tree that confers immortality. Adam and Eve, because of their disobedience, lost access to the fruits of the garden. In the book of Revelation the tree of life appears again; this time it is... More” to those who hold her fast (See “Woman Wisdom as Prophet, Teacher, PriestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple. More, Master Worker, Child of God, and Order of the Universe” entry in Bible in the World – Proverbs.)
