Books Jesus Read

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Books Jesus Read

Selections from the Wisdom of Solomon are also included in this chapter. Despite the book’s title, an anonymous Greek author wrote this book for the Jews of the Diaspora 2 long after Sirach, perhaps as late as the early first century BC. Given its late date, language (Greek), and intended audience, it is not surprising that this book reflects the cosmopolitan culture of Alexandria, where it was probably written. Here in this final chapter of Books Jesus Read , a Proverbs- like reflection on wisdom (Sirach 1) is followed by a series of passages on the theme of friendship from Sirach. This in turn is followed by the first major section of the Wisdom of Solomon (1–6) which compares the lives of the righteous and the wicked.

Text Sirach 1 (NRSV) All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever. 2 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,

and the days of eternity—who can count them? 3 The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom—who can search them out? 4 Wisdom was created before all other things, and prudent understanding from eternity. 6 The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed? Her subtleties—who knows them? 8 There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared, seated upon his throne—the Lord.

2 Jews of the Diaspora – Jewish communities outside Judea.