Editing Wisdom (section)

== Religious perspectives ==
=== Zoroastrianism ===
{{Main|Zoroastrianism}}

In the [[Avesta]] [[Gathas]], hymns traditionally attributed to [[Zoroaster]], [[Ahura Mazda]] means "Lord" (Ahura) and "Wisdom" (Mazda), and is the central deity who embodies goodness, being also called "Good Thought" ([[Vohu Manah]]).<ref>{{cite book|last=Boyce|first=Mary|year=1983|chapter=Ahura Mazdā|title=Encyclopaedia Iranica|editor-first=Ehsan|editor-last=Yarshater|volume=1|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopdiairani0001unse|url-access=registration|location=New York|publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul|pages=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopdiairani0001unse/page/684/mode/2up 684]–687|isbn=978-0-7100-9099-7 }}</ref> In [[Zoroastrianism]], the order of the universe and morals is called {{transliteration|ae|[[asha]]}} (in [[Avestan]], truth, righteousness), which is determined by this [[Omniscience|omniscient]] Thought and also considered a deity emanating from Ahura ([[Amesha Spenta]]). It is related to another ahura deity, [[Amesha Spenta|Spenta Mainyu]] (active Mentality).<ref>{{cite book|last=Boyce|first=Mary|year=1975|title=A History of Zoroastrianism|volume=I|location=Leiden/Köln|publisher=Brill}}</ref> It says in Yazna 31:<ref>{{cite web| url = http://avesta.org/yasna/yasna.htm#y31| title = Yazna 31 |website=Sacred Liturgy and Gathas/Hymns of Zarathushtra}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=To him shall the best befall, who, as one that knows, speaks to me Right's truthful word of Welfare and of Immortality; even the Dominion of Mazda which Good Thought shall increase for him. About which he in the beginning thus thought, "let the blessed realms be filled with Light", he it is that by his wisdom created Right.|sign=|source=}}

=== Hellenistic religion and Gnosticism ===
{{main|Sophia (wisdom)|Sophia (Gnosticism)}}

In [[Hellenistic religion]], wisdom was often personified as a divine or mystical force guiding human understanding. In Greek mystery religions, particularly [[Orphism]] and the [[Eleusinian Mysteries]], wisdom was associated with spiritual enlightenment and initiation into hidden truths.<ref>{{cite book |last=Burkert |first=Walter |title=Ancient Mystery Cults |year=1989 |publisher=Harvard University Press}}</ref> Philosophical movements such as [[Neoplatonism]] developed a concept of wisdom (''sophia'', σοφία) as the knowledge of the divine order of existence. [[Plotinus]] (204–270 CE) viewed wisdom as an ascent of the soul towards [[Neoplatonism#The One|the One]], the ultimate source of all reality.<ref>{{cite book |last=Plotinus |title=The Enneads |orig-year=3rd century CE |year=1991 |publisher=Penguin Classics}}</ref> In this tradition, wisdom was both intellectual and mystical, requiring inner purification to grasp transcendent truths.

Wisdom also played a central role in [[Gnosticism]], an [[Western esotericism|esoteric movement]] that emerged in the first few centuries CE. Gnostics saw wisdom (Sophia) as a divine figure, often depicted as a fallen being who sought to restore humanity’s knowledge of its divine origin. In texts in the [[Nag Hammadi library]], Sophia is described as the mother of all living and the source of ''gnosis'' (spiritual knowledge).<ref>{{cite book |last=Pagels |first=Elaine |title=The Gnostic Gospels |orig-year=1979 |year=2004 |publisher=Random House}}</ref> According to [[Valentinian Gnosticism]], Sophia’s fall led to the creation of the material world, but through wisdom, the soul could transcend illusion and return to the divine realm.<ref>{{cite book |last=Jonas |first=Hans |title=The Gnostic Religion |orig-year=1958 |year=2001 |publisher=Beacon Press}}</ref>

Gnostic texts such as the ''[[Pistis Sophia]]'' depict wisdom as a cosmic force struggling to free itself from ignorance and darkness. This contrasts with orthodox Christian views, where wisdom (σοφία) is associated with the [[Logos]] and divine order rather than cosmic dualism.<ref>{{cite book |last=Perkins |first=Pheme |title=Gnosticism and the New Testament |year=1993 |publisher=Fortress Press}}</ref> In [[Hermeticism]], another esoteric tradition of the Hellenistic period, wisdom was linked to inner enlightenment and mystical union with the divine mind (''[[nous]]'', νοῦς).<ref>{{cite book |last=Copenhaver |first=Brian P. |title=Hermetica: The Greek Corpus Hermeticum and the Latin Asclepius |year=1995 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}}</ref> These traditions, though diverse, shared the belief that wisdom was the key to transcending material existence and reuniting with the divine.

=== Abrahamic religions ===
{{Main|Abrahamic religions}}

==== Hebrew Bible and Judaism ====
{{See also|Chokmah|Wisdom literature}}
{{religious text primary|section|date=February 2025}}
[[File:Book of Wisdom Belarusian Skaryna.jpg|thumb|Image from "[[Book of Wisdom]]" of Francysk Skaryna 1518]]

The word "wisdom" ({{lang|he|חכם}}) is mentioned 222 times in the [[Hebrew Bible]]. It was regarded as one of the highest virtues among the Israelites along with kindness ({{lang|he|חסד}}) and justice ({{lang|he|צדק}}). The books of [[Book of Proverbs|Proverbs]] and [[Psalms]] each urge readers to obtain and to increase in wisdom.{{Citation needed|date=December 2018}}

In the Hebrew Bible, wisdom is exemplified by [[Solomon]], who asks God for wisdom in {{bibleverse|2 Chronicles|1:10}}. Much of the [[Book of Proverbs]], which is filled with [[Proverb|wise sayings]], is attributed to Solomon. In {{bibleverse|Proverbs|9:10}}, the fear of the Lord is called the beginning of wisdom. Another proverb says that wisdom is gained from God, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding".<ref>{{Bibleverse|Proverbs|2:6}}</ref> In {{bibleverse|Proverbs|1:20}}, there is also reference to wisdom personified in female form, "Wisdom calls aloud in the streets, she raises her voice in the marketplaces." In {{bibleverse|Proverbs|8:22–31}}, this personified wisdom is described as being present with God before creation began and even as taking part in creation itself.

King Solomon continues his teachings of wisdom in the book of [[Ecclesiastes]]. Solomon discusses his exploration of the meaning of life and fulfillment, as he speaks of life's pleasures, work, and materialism, yet concludes that it is all meaningless. "'Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher [Solomon]. 'Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless'...For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, the more knowledge, the more grief"<ref>{{Bibleverse|Ecclesiastes|1:2–18}}</ref> Solomon concludes that all life's pleasures and riches, and even [human]wisdom, mean nothing if there is no relationship with God.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-general-epistles/james|title=Book of James Overview – Insight for Living Ministries|website=www.insight.org|access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref>

The [[Talmud]] teaches that a wise person can foresee the future. {{transliteration|he|Nolad}} is a Hebrew word for "future," but also the Hebrew word for "birth", so one rabbinic interpretation of the teaching is that a wise person is one who can foresee the consequences of his/her choices (i.e. can "see the future" that he/she "gives birth" to).<ref>[[David Wolpe|Wolpe, David]], perf. [https://www.sinaitemple.org/learning_with_the_rabbis/sermons/mp3/2012/Sermon081812.mp3 "Re'eh: What it Means to Choose."] ''Rabbi David Wolpe''. Sinai Temple, 11 August 2012. web. 16 August 2013.</ref>

==== Christian theology ====
{{main|Holy Wisdom}}
{{religious text primary|section|date=February 2025}}
[[File:Schnorr von Carolsfeld Bibel in Bildern 1860 096.png|thumb|right|250px|''David and Abigail''. [[Abigail]] was a "wise woman" who helped David. 1860 woodcut by [[Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld]]]]

In [[Christian theology]], "wisdom" (From [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: {{lang|he|[[חכמה]]}} transliteration: {{transliteration|he|chokmâh}} pronounced: khok-maw', [[Greek language|Greek]]: {{transliteration|grc|Sophia}}, [[Latin language|Latin]]: {{lang|la|Sapientia}}) describes an aspect of God, or the [[Theology|theological]] concept regarding the wisdom of [[God]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2015}}

Christian thought opposes [[secular]] wisdom and embraces Godly wisdom. [[Paul the Apostle]] states that worldly wisdom thinks the claims of [[Christ]] to be foolishness. However, to those who are "on the path to salvation" Christ represents the wisdom of God.<ref>{{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|1:17–31}}</ref> Wisdom is considered one of the [[seven gifts of the Holy Spirit]].<ref>{{bibleverse|Isaiah|11:2–3}}</ref> {{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|12:8–10}} gives an alternate list of nine virtues, among which is wisdom.

The [[Epistle of James]] is a New Testament analogue of the book of Proverbs, in that it also discusses wisdom. It reiterates the message from Proverbs that wisdom comes from God by stating, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you".<ref>{{bibleverse|James|1:5}}</ref> James also explains how wisdom helps one acquire other forms of virtue: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."<ref>{{bibleverse|James|3:17}}</ref> James focuses on using this God-given wisdom to perform acts of service to the less fortunate.

Apart from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and James, other main books of wisdom in the Bible are Job, Psalms, and 1 and 2 Corinthians, which give lessons on gaining and using wisdom through difficult situations.

[[Justin Martyr]],<ref>In his ''Dialogue with Tripho'' (55, 1), Justin calls the Word of God a "second God" (ἕτερος θεός), meaning the second divine person of a unique Triune God.</ref> [[Athenagoras of Athens]] and [[Theophilus of Antioch]] identified the Wisdom of {{bibleref|Proverbs|8,22|NKJV}} (in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: ''hokmah'') with the [[Logos (Christianity)#Septuagint|Word]] who is Jesus Christ God.<ref>{{Cite journal |author=Dudzik, Pavel |date=25 November 2022 |title=Prov 8:22ff in Early Christian Statements on the Relation of Origin of the Son from the Father: The Case of Justin, Athenagoras, and Theophilus |journal=AUC Theologia |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=103–125 |format=PDF |issn=1804-5588 |oclc=9722510497 |language=en |doi=10.14712/23363398.2022.20 |url=https://karolinum.cz/casopis/auc-theologica/rocnik-12/cislo-1/clanek-10747|doi-access=free }} p. 111.</ref>

==== Islam ====
{{main|Hikmah}}

The Islamic term for wisdom is {{transliteration|ar|hikmah}}. Prophets of Islam are believed by Muslims to possess great wisdom. The term occurs a number of times in the [[Quran]], notably in [[Sura 2]]:269, [[Sura 22]]:46, and [[Sura 6]]:151.

The Sufi philosopher [[Ibn Arabi]] considers ''al-Hakim'' ("The Wise") as one of the names of the Creator.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Shahzad|first=Qaiser|year=2004|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20837323|url-access=subscription|title=Ibn 'Arabī's Contribution to the Ethics of Divine Names|journal=Islamic Studies|volume=43|number=1|pages=5–38|doi=10.52541/isiri.v43i1.4732 |jstor=20837323 }}</ref> Wisdom and truth, considered divine attributes, were valued in [[Science in the medieval Islamic world|Islamic sciences]] and [[Islamic philosophy|philosophy]]. The first Arab philosopher, [[Al-Kindi]] says at the beginning of his book:<ref>{{Citation|last=Adamson|first=Peter|title=Al-Kindi|year=2018|url=https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2018/entries/al-kindi/|encyclopedia=The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy|editor-last=Zalta|editor-first=Edward N.|edition=Summer 2018|publisher=Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University|access-date=16 August 2019}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=We must not be ashamed to admire the truth or to acquire it, from wherever it comes. Even if it should come from far-flung nations and foreign peoples, there is for the student of truth nothing more important than the truth, nor is the truth demeaned or diminished by the one who states or conveys it; no one is demeaned by the truth, rather all are ennobled by it.|sign=|source=[[Al-Kindi]], ''On First Philosophy''}}

==== Baháʼí Faith ====
In [[Baháʼí Faith]] scripture, "The essence of wisdom is the fear of God, the dread of His scourge and punishment, and the apprehension of His justice and decree."<ref>{{cite book|title=Bahai Reference Library|chapter=Asl-i-Kullu’l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom)|chapter-url=https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/TB/tb-11.html|series=Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas|publisher=US Bahá’í Publishing Trust|year=1988|edition=pocket-size|access-date=19 March 2013}}</ref> Wisdom is seen as a light that casts away darkness, and "its dictates must be observed under all circumstances".<ref>{{cite book|translator-last=Browne|author=ʻAbduʹl-Bahá|translator-first=Edward G.|title=A traveler's narrative|year=1980|publisher=Bahá'i Publ. Trust|location=Wilmette, Ill.|isbn=978-0877431343|page=46|edition=New and corr.}}</ref> One may obtain knowledge and wisdom through God, his Word, and his [[Manifestation of God (Baháʼí Faith)|Divine Manifestation]]; the source of all learning is the knowledge of God.<ref>{{cite book|last=Esslemont|first=J.E.|title=Bahá'u'lláh and the new era: an introduction to the Bahá'í faith|year=2006|publisher=Bahá'í Pub. Trust|location=Wilmette, Ill.|isbn=978-1931847278}}</ref>