Wisdom Literature and Poetry in the Old Testament

Wisdom Literature & Poetry Wisdom Literature – The intention of wisdom literature is to teach people about God and about being virtuous. Characteristics of Wisdom literature include: References to the law or covenant Small interest in Israel’s history Search for harmony and the meaning of life Exploration of the difficult mysteries of life, especially suffering and death Commitment to discovering moral lessons of daily life Belief that good and wise living is rewarded, and evil ways lead to death (spiritual or physical) Wisdom Books: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Book of Wisdom, and Sirach (Ben Sira) Poetry Books: Psalms, Song of Songs

Wisdom Books Proverbs - Traditionally believed to have been written by King Solomon, The Book of Proverbs is not simply a list of short sayings, but it also contains longer poems. The main theme of Proverbs is "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) Job - This is the story of a man who had everything he wanted, but then lost it all when God and Satan made a bet. The bet was that Job would curse God if he lost everything. Job did not curse God, but did curse the day he was born. God tells Job that there are many things about the world that he cannot possibly know. The themes of the book deal with questions such as: why do we suffer? The book also teaches that the wicked will be punished and the righteous will be rewarded in the end.

Wisdom Books Ecclesiastes - This is an autobiographical book told from the perspective of Koheleth (“Teacher”, “Preacher”). The book questions the meaning of life and the best way to live life. The book ends with the instruction to “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone" (12:13) Wisdom – Written to encourage the displaced Jews (of the Diaspora) to remain faithful to their heritage. It grapples with good and evil, writes of a final judgment, and sees life after death as the answer to question of suffering. “The just will live forever” (5:15) and the evil will be utterly laid waste” (4:19) Sirach – Through sayings, hymns, prayers, and lists, this book is filled with ways to live well. Its overall conviction is “All wisdom is from the Lord/ and remains with him forever.” (1:1)

Poetry Books Song of Songs – Love poetry that can be interpreted in many ways. Most commonly seen as the relationship with God and Israel, or Jesus and the Church, it can also be seen as a sign of human love and marriage. It recognizes the goodness of the human creation and sexuality as God created it to be. This love between man in woman is a reflection of God’s love for us. “How beautiful you are my friend, / how beautiful! Your eyes are doves! / How beautiful you are, my lover - / handsome indeed!” (1:15-16) Psalms - Traditionally believed to have been written by King David. Each individual psalm is usually a poem that praises God. Scholars believe that the psalms were set to music in Biblical times.

Psalms The Hebrew word for Psalms is “Tehillim,” which means “Praises.” This is because the psalms are hymns of praise to God. The word Psalm comes from a Greek word, “Psalmoi,” which means “religious songs performed to music.” There are 5 books of Psalms that make up the Book of Psalms They have been divided into these books without any particular organization Psalms 1-41 Psalms 42-72 Psalms 73-89 Psalms 90-106 Psalms 107-150

Psalms continued… There are five categories/genres of psalms. Lament or petition – complaint or request to God, includes trust and praise Gratitude – Gives thanks to God Wisdom – offers teaching on how to live skillfully before God. Praise – Worships and glorifies God Historical – Describe the wonders God has worked throughout the history of Israel The psalms express many human emotions toward God. They complain, criticize, question, express anger, praise, offer thanksgiving, etc.

Psalms continued… Christians use the psalms in many ways Prayer Foreshadowing Christ Responsorial Psalm during the Mass Liturgy of the Hours