1st Reading – Wisdom 6:12-16

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom,
and she is readily perceived by those who love her,
and found by those who seek her.
She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire;
Whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed,
for he shall find her sitting by his gate.
For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence,
and whoever for her sake keeps vigil
shall quickly be free from care;
because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her,
and graciously appears to them in the ways,
and meets them with all solicitude.

The Book of Wisdom was written in Greek, probably in Alexandria, Egypt, during the first century before Christ, making it one of the last books of the Old Testament to be composed. It belongs to Israel’s rich tradition of wisdom literature, in which divine wisdom is frequently personified as a woman.

In today’s reading, Wisdom is portrayed as someone who eagerly makes herself known to those who seek her, promising that those who remain vigilant in their search will find her.