Sophia is described by Solomon, in chapter Eight of the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, as the personification of Wisdom. In this book, which was written for his son, he identifies this quality of wisdom as being a feminine entity. Though, this was, in all probability, intended to be a parable of this quality, he describes it most definitely as a woman, and so instructs his son. When one considers the likely focus of a young man, even the son of Solomon, it is easy to understand why he would use this as an example to teach him wisdom. By studying this book, it should become apparent that he is attempting to teach his son all that can be known about life, and the ways of GOD, and is using the image of a woman to redirect his son to more important pursuits than those of youthful lust. While these things may not carry the same type of association or importance to women in general, as they do for men, there is much to be gained here anyway. To a man though, this association of the intangible forms of knowledge with a tangible image of a great woman, is quite effective for many. If a man were to fall in love with this pseudo-fantasy woman, and learn to know her and love her as if she were a real woman : according to Solomon, he would find the richest and most fulfilling things in life. It is in this sense that we pursue the mystery of Sophia.

    Let us begin with an analyses of this work of Solomon, noting content and meaning, and try to discern what purpose this documentation must serve. Let us take out the Bible now, and read what is written about this Sophia. Beginning with Proverbs chapter Eight, verse 22:
 
 

    "The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: when he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable parts of the earth; and my delights were with the sons of men."
 
 

    It should be obvious in the preceding verses, that this is not just a parable, but speaks very definitely of an actual divine entity of some cooperative sort, that was with the LORD at creation. By taking this quite literally, we can see that Solomon has not only written a personality for this idea of wisdom, but has also given her a history. Is this really necessary to make the point about the virtues of such wisdom to his son, or is he really trying to describe something else with these verses? In further attempt to understand the meaning, we must read more. The next set of verses is from Proverbs chapter Three, 15 through 19. Here Solomon writes as he is speaking of her, and not as her speaking herself:
 
 

    Once again is Sophia described in terms of a living and divine being, rather than just a principle. But what else might it mean? What implications does the idea have in relation to the rest of our common theological doctrine if it were found to be true? What complications might it cause in the acceptance of other alleged truths? Let us take both possibilities into account. First, let us look at some of those big questions that have problems in the light of the 21^st century. What are these questions that the church leaders advise us not to contemplate? What are the questions for which there is no reasonable answer but blind faith?

    In analyzing this myth, it seems to take on the essence of something much deeper and veiled than the simple idea of a parable of identification, or a basic story to aid in teaching the true ways of things. If it is really considered in full perspective of reality, much more seems to materialize for the student. If that student knows nothing but what he has had proven to him, he will still have an open mind, and not be bound by the constraints of the possibly wrong teachings of his elders. It is in this way, I believe, that we can truly learn the most about the almighty Creator, and the truth of this fantastic Creation. For man is told to teach others of the existence of GOD, but not set to teach others of the nature of GOD. This, we are told by the Holy works, is for GOD to teach to us. If our minds and hearts are open to receive Him, then He will teach us all we need to know, and we will know it then in our souls that it is truth.

Copyright 2000 by J.S.Graham