Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and some psalms are considered part of the wisdom genre that deal with perspectives on living a good life. Good life, of course, must be centered upon our powerful LORD God and our attempts to live as holy a life as possible as one of His representatives through Christ. Wisdom guides human dealings towards making righteous decisions with the focused faculties of their minds as they relate to God and His people, nations, societies, neighbors, and families.
Proverbs is a book of wisdom, a collection of collections that deal with personal relationships with humans and with the LORD God. Job teaches the wisdom necessary to maintain relationship between human beings and the LORD God by stressing His sovereignty and omnipotence over his created beings [1]. Ecclesiastes looks to the glass half full/half empty, as it optimistically or pessimistically deals with questions concerning the meaning of life, without the reference point of divine vision [2]. Its wisdom is so profoundly connectable to the search for life’s meanings that the Beatles lifted its words to express the times of life made notable (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).
The Early Church paid a great deal of attention to the wisdom books, especially Proverbs. However, the nineteenth century, as with so many other theological scholarship inquiries during this time, moved away from wisdom books because it was not relevant to salvation theology [3]. There is some movement once again toward scholars examining these works with renewed interest, possibly because of the decline of strong moral living in favor of chaotic lives as far away from God’s rule and presence as possible.
The three books of wisdom, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job are connected in a way. Proverbs expresses the early wisdom that becomes a foundation to Ecclesiastes and Job, as well as the support to Israel’s view of wisdom. There are four central themes to Proverbs wisdom according to Dr. Vanhoozer:[4]
1. Wisdom comes from the fear of Yahweh/God (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Job 1:1; 28:28)
2. Wisdom gives insight into the patterns and norms of God’s creation and creatures, which are based upon conditions developed by God in His creation acts.
3. Wisdom imparts appropriate actions for “particular circumstances, institutions, persons, and other creatures.”
4. Wisdom is traditional, thus, establishes a path that is always God’s way.
When Proverbs is understood, then Job and Ecclesiastes stands upon its foundation. Without the fear of the Lord and the insight values within Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes cannot form full meaning. Israel grew toward God through the giving of wisdom knowledge of the world and human affairs that was directly related to His revelations. God taught Israel how to behave, and their fear of Him was a great motivator to consider the wisdom He delivered to them to know.
Specifically, Proverbs 1-9 provide the underlying worldview that guides understanding of the diverse wisdoms in chapters 10-29 that reflect the structured boundaries and complexities of life [5].
Job and Ecclesiastes follow with the wisdom needed to deal with suffering. The words of wisdom are not quippy bits of smart, common sense behavior tips; rather, they are deep and far-reaching into the spiritual realms of considerate humans, and lead them closer to God even in the midst of tremendously difficult and confusing life trials.
Bibliography
Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012.
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Vanhoozer, Kevin J., et al. Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. London; Grand Rapids, MI: SPCK: Baker Academic, 2005.
Footnotes
[1] Michael S. Heiser, Bi101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources (LOGOS Bible Software).
[2] Ibid.
[3] John D. Barry, et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012).
[4] Kevin J. Vanhoozer, et al., Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible (London; Grand Rapids, MI: SPCK: Baker Academic, 2005), 847-850.
[5] Ibid., 640.
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About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
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