Quaker positions on the deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach/Ecclesiasticus, Maccabees) align with broader Protestant canonical principles. Evangelical and mainstream Quaker traditions affirm the 66-book Protestant canon and do not include the deuterocanonical books as Scripture, viewing them as apocryphal—valuable ancient Christian literature with spiritual merit but not authoritative revelation. This reflects the Reformation principle of limiting biblical authority to works of apostolic origin or apostolic authorization.

The distinction between biblical canon and church tradition is important in Quaker theology. While deuterocanonical writings may contain wisdom and spiritual insight, they lack the apostolic warrant that Quaker Protestants require for Scripture. Some Quakers recognize these texts' value for historical and cultural understanding of Second Temple Judaism and early Christian thought, but they are not read as binding doctrine or normative revelation.

Progressive and liberal Quakers may approach the question with more nuance, sometimes reading deuterocanonical passages when they illustrate theological or ethical points, though without affording them canonical authority. The broader Quaker emphasis on the Inner Light as the primary authority (present divine guidance) makes the specific boundaries of biblical canon less absolute; what matters ultimately is encounter with living truth through the Spirit rather than textual status.