OT Wisdom Literature:

From earliest times wise people collected and coined sage sayings about life. These sayings were used to teach or give advice or counsel. A mark of a “great” person was the ability to dispense wisdom in proverbial form or to outwit an opponent with clever sayings. I Kings 20:11 is one example of this kind of wisdom.

Wisdom literature grew out of the attempt by ancient people to understand and explain the ambiguities of life. It is comprised of self-evident observations concerned with successful human living. It is one’s seeking answers to the great questions of life. It is the reasoned search for specific ways to assure well-being in daily life, and therefore practical rules for behavior in particular circumstances. If one followed these instructions, he or she would fit in with the social order which is a reflection of the cosmic order (notes from Monty M. Montgomery)

Hebrew Wisdom: A type of poetic literature: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes

1. Hebrew “Wisdom” does not refer simply to the wisdom of a clever person, but it consists of wisdom that is given and enlightened by God (Proverbs 2:6).

2. It is the personal application of truth based on experience. Wisdom in the sense of the OT reaches its true goal only when it is characterized by obedience to God (Job 28:28; Proverbs 1:1-7; Eccl. 5:7; 8:12; 12:13)

3. We must read the books of wisdom as a whole and pay attention to the entire context.

4. We must not consider this type of literature to be a certain key to earthly success. This literature consists of observations about how the world under God usually (but not necessarily always) works.

Job:

We don’t know when Job lived or when the book was written. It seems probable that Job was living in the age of the Patriarchs. The book is a poem of a cycle of wisdom dialogues between Job and his friends framed by a narrative introduction and conclusion. The reader knows what is going on behind the scenes; Job and his friends do not.

Theme: Theodicy—the problem of pain and suffering.

Theology: It was common to believe:

1) Suffering is because of sin

2) The amount we suffer is directly proportionate to how evil we are

The book of Job critiques this strict doctrine of retribution and serves as a warning against judging those who suffer. While there may be a general truth that those who do well will be blessed and those who do evil will suffer (Proverbs), this may not always be valid in specific situations. The premise or assumption that sin and suffering are always bound together is not always valid. Also, God’s justice is not dependent on earthly retribution and reward.

Lessons from Job:

God doesn’t need our defense.

God can take our complaints and questions.

God doesn’t have to give us an answer.

God’s justice involves more than just our earthly situation. Things are going on in the spiritual realm as well.

To be faithful to God just in hopes of physical blessing really reflects no faith at all. True faith remains firm, even when there appears to be no benefits.

Proverbs:

This literature represents practical advice, not promises. It calls attention to the contrast between a wise and foolish life. In this literature there is little that we would call “religious” language. Not everything has to sound “religious” to be “godly.”

Characteristics:

1. They are written in poetic form

2. They describe life as it happens, and as it will happen

3. They are neither promises nor guarantees from God

4. They represent general truths that are true in many situations, but not in all

5. Their function is to briefly describe reality and to give general ethical advice that we can apply in various situations

6. They communicate wisdom, but it is necessary to already possess a certain measure of wisdom in order to discern when a given proverb applies and when it doesn’t (cf. He who hesitates is lost; look before you leap; Prov. 26:4-5)

Introduction found in Proverbs 1-9: The personification of wisdom. Wisdom speaks for herself and also teaches (8:32-36)

The foundation of wisdom is fear of the Lord (1:7; 9:10; 15:33)

The book of proverbs describes and contrasts the foolish life and the wise life.

Ecclesiastes:

Also known as Qoheleth, or the Preacher. It was one of the Megilloth read during the Feast of Tabernacles. It represents a wisdom monologue.

“Vanity of vanities” or “meaningless, meaningless” (1:2, etc.) “hebel” occurs 37x in the book. It usually means “vapor” or “breeze.” Something that is empty or futile or unfulfilled.

The book describes the life that does not know God. Depressing. But the conclusion 12:13-14.

Themes: All that man does without God is empty.

God, the mysterious and hidden creator and giver is in control and is to be feared.

Man’s pursuit of pleasure, possessions and power is empty.