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.

All societies have some type of wisdom tradition that provides instruction on how to live a meaningful and virtuous life. Ancient Israel was no exception.

There are six books of Wisdom literature in the Old Testament: Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Sirach, and Wisdom (or The Wisdom of Solomon).

Today’s first reading extols the value of wisdom and the virtues it bestows upon those who seek it.