Wisdom Literature. Wisdom literature is a genre of literature common in the Ancient Near East. This...

Wisdom LiteratureWisdom Literature

Wisdom literatureWisdom literature is a genre of literature is a genre of literature common in the Ancient Near East. This genre common in the Ancient Near East. This genre is characterized by “wise sayings” intended to is characterized by “wise sayings” intended to

teach about divinity and virtue. teach about divinity and virtue.

The key principle is that while techniques of The key principle is that while techniques of traditional story-telling may be employed, traditional story-telling may be employed, wisdom literature also offers insight and wisdom literature also offers insight and

wisdom about nature and reality. wisdom about nature and reality.

Wisdom literature includes several books of Wisdom literature includes several books of the Old Testament and Jewish Apocrypha.the Old Testament and Jewish Apocrypha.

Old Testament WisdomOld Testament Wisdom

JobJob

PsalmsPsalms

ProverbsProverbs

EcclesiastesEcclesiastes

Song of SongsSong of Songs

Deuterocanonical WisdomDeuterocanonical Wisdom

Wisdom of SolomonWisdom of Solomon

Ecclesiasticus (Ben Sirach)Ecclesiasticus (Ben Sirach)

The Book of JobThe Book of Job

Content:Content: a brilliant wrestling with the issue of a brilliant wrestling with the issue of suffering of the righteous and the justice of suffering of the righteous and the justice of God, while also speaking to the larger question, God, while also speaking to the larger question, “Where is wisdom found?”“Where is wisdom found?”

Date:Date: the story takes place during the period of the story takes place during the period of the patriarchs; various suggestions have been the patriarchs; various suggestions have been offered regarding the composition itself.offered regarding the composition itself.

Emphases:Emphases: wisdom is ultimately found in God wisdom is ultimately found in God alone; human wisdom cannot fathom the ways alone; human wisdom cannot fathom the ways of God; undeserved suffering has no easy of God; undeserved suffering has no easy answer; God is not obliged to explain all things; answer; God is not obliged to explain all things; the fear of the Lord is the path to true wisdom.the fear of the Lord is the path to true wisdom.

Outline of the Book of JobOutline of the Book of Job

1-2 Prologue1-2 Prologue

3-26 Three Cycles of Speeches3-26 Three Cycles of Speeches

(Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar)(Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar)

27-28 Conclusion and Discourse on Wisdom27-28 Conclusion and Discourse on Wisdom

(Job)(Job)

29-37 Job and Elihu29-37 Job and Elihu

38-42:6 Two Cycles of Speeches38-42:6 Two Cycles of Speeches

(Yahweh and Job)(Yahweh and Job)

42:7-17 Epilogue42:7-17 Epilogue

The ContributorsThe Contributors

Job 2:11-13 introduce Job’s friends. They came Job 2:11-13 introduce Job’s friends. They came to sympathise, but (unfortunately) stayed to to sympathise, but (unfortunately) stayed to

give their advice. Through the ensuing give their advice. Through the ensuing speeches, we are being drawn into a debate on speeches, we are being drawn into a debate on

the very nature of suffering with each the very nature of suffering with each participant in the debate bringing a different participant in the debate bringing a different

(but inadequate) perspective. We may class the (but inadequate) perspective. We may class the responses as spiritual (Eliphaz), traditional responses as spiritual (Eliphaz), traditional

(Bildad), common sense (Zophar), and (Bildad), common sense (Zophar), and progressive (Elihu).progressive (Elihu).

The Psalms express the whole range of human The Psalms express the whole range of human feeling and experience, from dark depression to feeling and experience, from dark depression to

exuberant joy. They are rooted in particular exuberant joy. They are rooted in particular circumstances, yet they are timeless, and so circumstances, yet they are timeless, and so among the best-loved, most-read, parts of the among the best-loved, most-read, parts of the Bible. We are stirred by the same emotions, Bible. We are stirred by the same emotions,

puzzled over the same fundamental problems puzzled over the same fundamental problems of life, cry out in need, or worship, to the same of life, cry out in need, or worship, to the same God, as the psalmists of old. We find it easy to God, as the psalmists of old. We find it easy to

identify with them. And we find their sheer, identify with them. And we find their sheer, dogged faith, the depth of their love for God, dogged faith, the depth of their love for God,

both a tonic and a rebuke.both a tonic and a rebuke.

The Psalms are the Old Testament hymnal. It is The Psalms are the Old Testament hymnal. It is divided into five books:divided into five books:

Book 1Book 1 -- Psalms 1-41Psalms 1-41





At the end of each section (eg 41:13) the break At the end of each section (eg 41:13) the break is marked by a doxology – a formal expression is marked by a doxology – a formal expression of praise to God. Psalm 150 forms a doxology of praise to God. Psalm 150 forms a doxology to the whole collection.to the whole collection.

Psalms are part of Israel’s worship.Psalms are part of Israel’s worship.

Most of the psalms are prefaced by a title or Most of the psalms are prefaced by a title or heading. Some name the author or collector, heading. Some name the author or collector,

and relate to specific events in history.and relate to specific events in history.

Seventy five psalms bear David’s name . 1 Seventy five psalms bear David’s name . 1 Samuel 16:17-23 and 1 Chronicles 25:1-8 tell Samuel 16:17-23 and 1 Chronicles 25:1-8 tell

us David was a gifted poet and musician.us David was a gifted poet and musician.

The Psalms speak into real life situations. The The Psalms speak into real life situations. The next slide link various Psalms with David’s life-next slide link various Psalms with David’s life-

story in 1 and 2 Samuel.story in 1 and 2 Samuel.

Psalms reflecting David’s Real Life ExperiencesPsalms reflecting David’s Real Life Experiences

Escape from the palace (Ps 59; 1 S 19:11ff)Escape from the palace (Ps 59; 1 S 19:11ff)David feigns madness (Ps 34; 1 S 21)David feigns madness (Ps 34; 1 S 21)

David hiding in the cave (Ps 57, 142; 1 S 22:1ff, David hiding in the cave (Ps 57, 142; 1 S 22:1ff, 24:3ff)24:3ff)

Doeg’s betrayal of the priests of Nob (Ps 52; 1 S 22)Doeg’s betrayal of the priests of Nob (Ps 52; 1 S 22)The Ziphite informers (Ps 54; 1 S 23:19ff)The Ziphite informers (Ps 54; 1 S 23:19ff)

David in the Judean desert (Ps 63; 1 S 24:1-2, 22 and David in the Judean desert (Ps 63; 1 S 24:1-2, 22 and again 2 S 15ff)again 2 S 15ff)

Defeat of the Edomites (Ps 60; 2 S 8:13)Defeat of the Edomites (Ps 60; 2 S 8:13)David’s sin over Bathsheba (Ps 51, 32?; 2 S 11-12)David’s sin over Bathsheba (Ps 51, 32?; 2 S 11-12)

Absolom’s rebellion (Ps 3; 2 S 15:13ff)Absolom’s rebellion (Ps 3; 2 S 15:13ff)David’s song of deliverance (Ps 18 = 2 S 22)David’s song of deliverance (Ps 18 = 2 S 22)

Classification of PsalmsClassification of Psalms

There have been many attempts to classify the There have been many attempts to classify the psalms, and they can be grouped in a number psalms, and they can be grouped in a number

of ways, for example by theme. There are of ways, for example by theme. There are psalms which plead with God and psalms psalms which plead with God and psalms

which praise him; appeals for forgiveness, or which praise him; appeals for forgiveness, or the destruction of enemies; prayers for the the destruction of enemies; prayers for the

king, or for the nation; “wisdom” psalms and king, or for the nation; “wisdom” psalms and psalms which probe life’s problem-areas; and psalms which probe life’s problem-areas; and

psalms (such as 119) which celebrate the psalms (such as 119) which celebrate the greatness of God’s law. Many psalms are a greatness of God’s law. Many psalms are a blend of several of these common themes.blend of several of these common themes.

Grouping Psalms by Literary TypeGrouping Psalms by Literary TypeHymns, in praise of God’s character and Hymns, in praise of God’s character and

deeds (Ps 8; 19; 29)deeds (Ps 8; 19; 29)Community Laments arising out of some Community Laments arising out of some

national disaster (Ps 44; 74)national disaster (Ps 44; 74)Royal Psalms, originating in some special Royal Psalms, originating in some special

occasion in the life of the reigning king (Ps occasion in the life of the reigning king (Ps 2; 18; 20; 45)2; 18; 20; 45)

Individual laments (Ps 3; 7; 13; 25; 51)Individual laments (Ps 3; 7; 13; 25; 51) Individual thanksgiving (Ps 30; 32; 34)Individual thanksgiving (Ps 30; 32; 34)

Psalms in the New TestamentPsalms in the New Testament The book of Psalms had an immense influence on The book of Psalms had an immense influence on

New Testament writers. They quote liberally from New Testament writers. They quote liberally from several Old Testament books, but none more so several Old Testament books, but none more so than from Psalms. From the Psalms, they drew on than from Psalms. From the Psalms, they drew on the wealth of material that God had inspired the wealth of material that God had inspired pertaining to Jesus Christ. pertaining to Jesus Christ.

When Peter and John had been ordered When Peter and John had been ordered (unsuccessfully) by the Sanhedrin not to preach (unsuccessfully) by the Sanhedrin not to preach Jesus Christ (Acts 4:27), the fledgling New Jesus Christ (Acts 4:27), the fledgling New Testament church prayed to God for the Testament church prayed to God for the continuing boldness of the apostles. In their continuing boldness of the apostles. In their prayer, they quoted Psalm 2:1-2 and applied it as prayer, they quoted Psalm 2:1-2 and applied it as a prophecy of what had happened to Jesus Christ. a prophecy of what had happened to Jesus Christ.

Some References to Psalms in the New TestamentSome References to Psalms in the New Testament

Psalm 2Psalm 2 Acts 4:26; 13:33Acts 4:26; 13:33

Psalm 5Psalm 5 Romans 3:13Romans 3:13

Psalm 8Psalm 8 Matthew 21:16Matthew 21:16


Psalm 14 Psalm 14 Acts 3:12Acts 3:12

Psalm 16Psalm 16 Acts 2:28; 13:35Acts 2:28; 13:35

Psalm 22Psalm 22 Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34 Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34

Psalm 32 Psalm 32 Romans 4:8Romans 4:8



Psalm 62Psalm 62 Rom 2:6Rom 2:6

Psalm 69 Psalm 69 John 2:16; 15:25; Acts 1:20John 2:16; 15:25; Acts 1:20


Psalm 109Psalm 109 Acts 1:20Acts 1:20


Psalm 118Psalm 118 Matthew 21:42; 23:39Matthew 21:42; 23:39

Psalm 140Psalm 140 Romans 3:13Romans 3:13 etc etcetc etc

Book of ProverbsBook of Proverbs

Content:Content: a series of opening poems praising wisdom a series of opening poems praising wisdom and warning against folly, followed by several and warning against folly, followed by several collections of proverbs from sages who taught wisdom collections of proverbs from sages who taught wisdom to Israel, starting with Solomon.to Israel, starting with Solomon.

Author(s):Author(s): collections of proverbs originating with collections of proverbs originating with Solomon, various wise men, Agur, and Lemuel’s Solomon, various wise men, Agur, and Lemuel’s mother – gathered and arranged for later generations mother – gathered and arranged for later generations by unknown editors.by unknown editors.

Emphases:Emphases: wisdom begins with the fear of and trust wisdom begins with the fear of and trust in Yahweh; at the practical level, it consists of making in Yahweh; at the practical level, it consists of making wise choices between good and evil behaviour; such wise choices between good and evil behaviour; such wisdom is to be desired above all else in order to live wisdom is to be desired above all else in order to live a full and godly life.a full and godly life.

Proverbs is mostly made up of six collections of Proverbs is mostly made up of six collections of proverbs, mostly couplets (two-liners) that offer proverbs, mostly couplets (two-liners) that offer guidance to the young. Preceding these is a preamble guidance to the young. Preceding these is a preamble (1:1-7) setting forth the book’s title, purpose and (1:1-7) setting forth the book’s title, purpose and theme, and a prologue of several poems (1:8-9:18) theme, and a prologue of several poems (1:8-9:18) that stress the importance of listening to the sages.that stress the importance of listening to the sages.

Proverbs of Solomon I (10:1-22:16)Proverbs of Solomon I (10:1-22:16)

Sayings of the Wise I (22:17-24:22)Sayings of the Wise I (22:17-24:22)

Sayings of the Wise (24:23-34)Sayings of the Wise (24:23-34)

Proverbs of Solomon II (25:1-29:27Proverbs of Solomon II (25:1-29:27

Sayings of Agur (30:1-33)Sayings of Agur (30:1-33)

Sayings of Lemuel (31:1-31)Sayings of Lemuel (31:1-31)

Content: the meditations of Solomon who Content: the meditations of Solomon who wrestles with life’s realities; what is to be wrestles with life’s realities; what is to be gained by achieving wealth or wisdom when in gained by achieving wealth or wisdom when in the end death claims both rich and poor, wise the end death claims both rich and poor, wise and foolish; but specially set in a context of and foolish; but specially set in a context of knowing the fear of God.knowing the fear of God.

Emphases: the transitory nature of present life; Emphases: the transitory nature of present life; how to live wisely in a world where the only how to live wisely in a world where the only certainly is death and judgement; the futility of certainly is death and judgement; the futility of human pursuits that do not take the fear of human pursuits that do not take the fear of God into account.God into account.

Features of EcclesiastesFeatures of EcclesiastesReality is divided into two realms – the Reality is divided into two realms – the

heavenly and the earthly. “God is in heavenly and the earthly. “God is in heaven and you are on earth” (5:2).heaven and you are on earth” (5:2).

Distinction between observation and faith. Distinction between observation and faith. “I have seen …” (1:14). “I came to realise” “I have seen …” (1:14). “I came to realise” (2:14).(2:14).

We face the grimness of life, yet are urged We face the grimness of life, yet are urged to faith and joy.to faith and joy.

Purpose and Abiding MessagePurpose and Abiding Message It is a reply to the unrelieved pessimism of It is a reply to the unrelieved pessimism of

much ancient thought. It does not encourage much ancient thought. It does not encourage superficial ‘faith’ which does not take proper superficial ‘faith’ which does not take proper account of the fallenness of the world.account of the fallenness of the world.

It is both an evangelistic tract, calling secular It is both an evangelistic tract, calling secular people to face the implications of their people to face the implications of their secularism, and a call to realism, calling secularism, and a call to realism, calling people to take seriously the futility of life.people to take seriously the futility of life.

It forbids secularism and unrealistic optimism. It forbids secularism and unrealistic optimism. Positively, it calls us to a life of faith and joy. Positively, it calls us to a life of faith and joy.

Outline of ContentsOutline of Contents

The Quest (1:1-3:22)The Quest (1:1-3:22)

Title (1:1)Title (1:1)

The Pessimist’s problem (1:2-2:23)The Pessimist’s problem (1:2-2:23)

The alternative to pessimism (2:24-3:22)The alternative to pessimism (2:24-3:22)

Facing Reality (4:1-10:20)Facing Reality (4:1-10:20)

Life’s hardships and life’s comparisonLife’s hardships and life’s comparison

Poverty and wealth (5:8-6:12)Poverty and wealth (5:8-6:12) (4:1-5:7) (4:1-5:7)

Suffering and sin (7:1-8:1)Suffering and sin (7:1-8:1)

Authority and injustice (8:2-9:10)Authority and injustice (8:2-9:10)

Wisdom and folly (9:11-10:20)Wisdom and folly (9:11-10:20)

Outline of Contents (continued)Outline of Contents (continued)

The Call to Decision (11:1-12:8)The Call to Decision (11:1-12:8)

The venture of faith (11:1-6)The venture of faith (11:1-6)

The life of joy (11:7-10)The life of joy (11:7-10)

The urgency of decision (12:1-8)The urgency of decision (12:1-8)

Epilogue (12:9-14)Epilogue (12:9-14)

Life moves quickly, so “Remember your Life moves quickly, so “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (12:1). It’s all Creator in the days of your youth” (12:1). It’s all about us or it’s all about God. Decide.about us or it’s all about God. Decide.

Content:Content: a love song of several episodes, a love song of several episodes, celebrating the love between a woman and a celebrating the love between a woman and a man.man.

Overview:Overview: This book is written in marvellous This book is written in marvellous poetry. It is full of evocative and vivid images. It poetry. It is full of evocative and vivid images. It is a celebration of sexual love and marital is a celebration of sexual love and marital fidelity. It is not allegory, but does typify the fidelity. It is not allegory, but does typify the relation of the believer to the Lord Jesus Christ.relation of the believer to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Emphases:Emphases: the proper love of a woman and a the proper love of a woman and a man for one another; the unquenchable nature man for one another; the unquenchable nature of pure love; the delight in and longing for each of pure love; the delight in and longing for each other that pure love engenders.other that pure love engenders.

The Three Main Voices:The Three Main Voices: the woman, who the woman, who plays the leading role throughout; the man, plays the leading role throughout; the man, who especially celebrates the beauty of, and who especially celebrates the beauty of, and his love for, the woman; the “daughters of his love for, the woman; the “daughters of Jerusalem” who are the woman’s companions. Jerusalem” who are the woman’s companions.

There are other minor characters – shepherds, There are other minor characters – shepherds, city watchmen, the woman’s brothers.city watchmen, the woman’s brothers.

The use of dream sequences complicated the The use of dream sequences complicated the interpretation of this song as it is sometimes interpretation of this song as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between them and what difficult to distinguish between them and what is actually happening.is actually happening.

Outline of ContentsOutline of Contents

Title (1:1)Title (1:1)

Courtship (1:2-2:7)Courtship (1:2-2:7)

Separation and Longing (2:8-3:5)Separation and Longing (2:8-3:5)

Marriage and Consummation (3:6-5:1)Marriage and Consummation (3:6-5:1)

Cooling off (5:2-6:3)Cooling off (5:2-6:3)

Reassurance (6:4-9)Reassurance (6:4-9)

Love Rekindled (6:10-8:10)Love Rekindled (6:10-8:10)

Epilogue (8:11-14)Epilogue (8:11-14)

Why Read the Biblical Wisdom Why Read the Biblical Wisdom Literature?Literature?

It helps develops a biblical world viewIt helps develops a biblical world view It contributes to a balanced theologyIt contributes to a balanced theology It instructs us how to truly live “the good life”It instructs us how to truly live “the good life” It guards us from a meaningless, wasted lifeIt guards us from a meaningless, wasted life It helps us in worship and prayerIt helps us in worship and prayer It points to ChristIt points to Christ It is great evangelistic materialIt is great evangelistic material It tells us what to pass on to our childrenIt tells us what to pass on to our children

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