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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider The wisdom of Solomon

The wisdom of Solomon

Published Oct 13, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Oct 12, 2025 03:17 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Wisdom refers to the ability or result of ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, insight, and faith. According to the Bible, wisdom (Hebrew hokmah) originates from reverential awe and submission to God, as expressed by the word “fear”—thus, the expression, “The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord” (Prv 9:10). When Solomon was offered by God to choose which gift he preferred—a long life, power over his enemies, or riches—the young king asked for the gift of “wisdom”: a listening heart to judge the people of Israel and to distinguish between good and evil. The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request for a wise and discerning heart that he gave him riches and glory in addition (1 Kgs 3:9-13). Now, Jesus chides the crowd for missing something greater than the wisdom of Solomon and not recognizing someone greater than Solomon. The crowd seeks a “sign” or a miracle as proof of power from God, when in fact God offers them something more: the “wisdom” and authority of Jesus’ teaching. In his preaching, Jesus calls for repentance and a change of heart, but people would rather take pride in having a prophet— Jesus—in their midst, which shows them as a privileged lot: “We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets” (Lk 13:26). On these two occasions, Jesus warns them of God’s judgment if they do not repent and turn to God.
Gospel • Lk 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
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