The Wisdom texts reveal that Sophia is already available to every human. “God poured her out upon all his works” (Sirach 1:9). “She dwells with all flesh according to his gift, and God supplied her to those who love him” (Sirach 1:10). If Sophia is already available to mankind, then why are many unaware of her existence? It is said of Sophia, “For wisdom is like her name, and is not manifest to many” (Sirach 6:22). So how can she become manifest or known within mankind? According to the Wisdom texts some types of men will never find or know her. Man must become a fitting container or vessel to find Sophia.
The Wisdom texts give the following traits of men who are not fitting containers for Sophia or Divine Wisdom: “Wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, nor dwell in a body enslaved to sin” (WS 1:4). “Foolish men will not obtain her, and sinful men will not see her. She is far from men of pride, and liars will never think of her” (Sirach 15: 7-8).The Wisdom texts also include countless personal stories of those who did find Sophia. The unknown author of the Wisdom of Solomon, speaks as Solomon, sharing with the reader how he came to know Sophia. He writes “I prayed and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the Spirit of Wisdom came to me” (WS 7:7). These passages reveal that Sophia/Wisdom is an aspect of God that plays an important role in the spiritual process leading to the Knowledge of God. The willingness of Sophia to come to those who are fitting vessels, is further recounted in more personal stories. Two unknown authors wrote:“He who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates” (WS 6:14). “She goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought” (WS 6:16). “She will come to meet him like a mother, ….She will feed him with the bread of understanding, and give him the water of wisdom to drink” (Sirach 15:2-3).
