Richard J. Clifford, SJ, is professor of Old Testament at Boston College School of Theology. He taught biblical studies at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge from 1970 to 2008. His doctorate is from Harvard University. He was general editor of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly and is a former president of the Catholic Biblical Association. As well as teaching and lecturing in scholarly circles, he is active in adult education in various New England dioceses.

• CONTENTSAbbreviations   4THE BOOK OF WISDOMIntroduction   5Text and Commentary   15The Two Worlds (Wisdom 1:1–6:21)   15Wisdom and the Way to It (Wisdom 6:22–10:21)   31The Exodus: God Provides for His Child Israel (Wisdom 11:1–19:22)   46Review Aids and Discussion Topics   86Index of Citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church   88

This new commentary has all the signs of what we expect from its distinguished author—deep learning, a keen sensitivity to the theological message of the material he interprets, a fine ear for intertextual resonances, and a rare gift for clear and accessible communication. The book of Wisdom is a fascinating but under-appreciated product of Hellenistic Judaism. In this concise commentary, it has acquired an ideal commentator. I recommend it highly.Jon D. Levenson, Albert A. List Professor of Jewish Studies, Harvard University