1. Wisdom Literature

2. OBJECTIVES: † Students will be able to list the Books of Wisdom. † Students will discuss the concept of suffering and lessons learned from Job’s suffering † Students will describe the three types of hymns found in the Book of Psalms † Students will discuss the main themes in the Book of Ecclesiastes † Students will identify the allegory of Song of Songs † Students will discuss why wisdom is important, according to the Book of Wisdom

3. Word of the Week T HE E UCHARISTIC P RAYER –T HE E UCHARISTIC P RAYER our perfect prayer of thanksgiving in which Christ becomes present to his people in bread and wine and our response to be present to others and change the world (The Eucharistic Prayer concludes with the Great Amen.)

4. THE WISDOM BOOKS Distribute Bibles and find the Wisdom Books Divide into 7 groups Assign each group one of the Wisdom Books, each group should read the introduction and give a report on their book.

5. Result … live self-centered, superfluous, materialistic lives The Problem with the World Today How many of us view our total existence …. Time on EarthEternity The reality is …. Time on EarthTime in Eternity But how you Determines where you live here spend here

6. The Wisdom Books – How to Live a Better Life Proverbs Job Ecclesiastes Sirach Wisdom Song of Songs Psalms Stories told in … Tobit Judith Esther Jonah

7. Job – Why Do the Good Suffer? Let’s enact the play!

8. Job: Understanding Suffering  The book of Job is about Job, a virtuous and upright man, and his struggle to make sense of what seems to be unnecessary and undeserved suffering.  It answers the question: Why do good people suffer and wicked people prosper?  However, despite all his suffering, Job’s faith never wavers.

9. God does not cause suffering  Although God allows Satan to test Job’s faith through a series of losses, God does not cause his suffering, and he allows it because he knows Job’s faith will not waver.  This shows that God never initiates human suffering.  Job never blames his misfortunes on God, instead asking him why he is suffering.  In response, God overwhelms him with a number of questions he cannot answer, and Job realizes that God is so great and complex that humans cannot understand his ways.

10. Lessons Learned  We can learn many lessons from the story of Job.  First, human suffering is not always a result of personal sin and should not be viewed as a punishment from God, and may even help to strengthen our faith.  In times of trial, we can either blame God or turn to God.  Second, God does not want his people to suffer; when we cry out in distress, God hears us.  Third, the life of faith takes root in a patient heart; patience in our sufferings and struggles is essential to grow in our relationship with God.  Finally, God still deserves our love and respect, even when times are bad. Though we may question God, we are called to realize that God’s ways are too wondrous and immense for the human mind.  Even if we are suffering, we should remain faithful and God will reward us in Heaven.

11. The Psalms: Learning to Pray  Psalter  Psalter- The Book of Psalms of Old Testament, which contains 150 Psalms, has many different authors over many generations  Psalms  Psalms – Hymns or songs of prayer to God that express:  thanksgiving (A prayer of gratitude for the gift of life, and the gifts in life)  lament (a Psalm that conveys mourning and petitioning of God in times of need)  praise (prayer of acknowledgment that God is God, giving God glory)  Hymns  Hymns- poetic song lyrics written to honor God

13. Mirror of the Soul  Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, a Church Father and a defender of the faith, made the following statement about the Psalms: “It seems to me that these words of the Psalms become like a mirror to the person singing them, so that he might see himself and the emotions of his soul.”  The Psalms are filled with wisdom that empowers individuals to express their inner longing for God

14. THE BOOK OF PROVERBS The Book of Proverbs collects poems ad wise sayings representing the wisdom from generations of Israelite history. Like the Song of Songs, God’s wisdom is personified as a woman. Proverbs tell us where to find wisdom: in the streets, the marketplace and in the city.

15. Proverbs – What is a Good Life? You may have seen them in your house, in church etc

16. Proverbs – What is a Good Life? Parenting “Discipline your children while there is hope; do not set your heart on their Destruction” (19:18) Communication “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1) Work “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (14:23) Conducting Business “The integrity of the upright, guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them” (11:13) Attitudes “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (16:18)

17. Proverbs – What is a Good Life? Reputation “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, & favor is better than silver or gold” (22:1) Gossip “A perverse person spreads strife, & a whisperer separates close friends” (16:28) Learning “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion” (14:23) Relationships with Neighbors “A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water” (11:25) 31 Chapters … about 1,000 proverbs Largely credited to Solomon Written 2,700 years ago!

18. Ecclesiastes A book that sounds pessimistic, but is mostly based on realism Written by a man who believed God could not be understood by man and that we shouldn't even try to understand him

19. Ecclesiastes: The Ongoing Search for Meaning  “For in much wisdom there is much sorrow, / and he who stores up knowledge stored up grief” This quote summarizes the overall perspective of the author of The Book of Ecclesiastes.  The Book of Ecclesiastes was written in the third or fourth century B.C. It challenges readers to see things in a different light by providing practical advice about the journey of faith. The author is also known as the teacher.

20. A Time for Everything  From life to death, tears to laughter, love to hate, we must bow before the infinite wisdom of God. The teacher said that God’s ways are not our ways, nor is his timeline ours. The closer someone draws to God, the more willing someone will trust in his care. Letting go of the need to control and know everything paves the way for God’s plan for salvation.

22. Carpe Diem: “Seize the Day”  The teacher says “all things are vanity!” (1:2)  This means life packs permanence and we don’t know its meaning.  He also says to respond to the vanity of life by making the most of God’s gifts.  Living with energy and joy does not mean to not seek wisdom.  Wisdom guides the searching heart towards God.  Ecclesiastes helps us find meaning through all the chaos and confusion of life.

24. Song of Songs  A collection of poetry about the beauty of love  Can be taken to mean a love between people or the love of God for humanity

25. Song of Songs: The Beauty of Love  Song of Songs, also called the Song of Solomon, was written by an unknown author, written after the Jews’ return from the Babylonian Exile in 539 BC (was not written by King Solomon).  Composed of rich poetry with vivid imagery describing the beauty of love.  Interpreted from the book, the relationship between the lover and the beloved in Songs of Songs symbolize the relationship between God and Israel or Jesus and the Church.

27. Ideal Human Love  According to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, “Love is an affection of the soul… It is spontaneous in its origin and impulse; and true love is its own satisfaction.”  Authentic love cannot be forced, nor should it be self- seeking.  Love IS Powerful  Poems attest to the intensity and strength of the love between a lover and beloved, through imagery beauty and splendor of love is demonstrated.

29. Creator and Creature  As an allegory for God’s relationship with the Israelites, Song of Songs paints a picture of God as a faithful lover of his beloved People.  God has called his Chosen People to a spiritual union of perfect love.  Christ formed an “unbreakable alliance” with his Chosen People, the Church, whom he nourishes and sustains with saving love

30. Creator and Creature (cont.)  Taking it a step further, the Song of Songs is an allegory for the relationship between God and the individual.  Bernard states: “Of all the moments, sensations and feelings of the soul, love is the only one in which the creature can respond to the Creator and make some sort of return however unequal though it be.”  God desires the affection and love of each of his beloved children.

31. Creator and Creature (cont.)  Song of Songs is a hidden treasure in the Old Testament.  Many people are unaware of its existence, and those who have heard of it do not realize its great worth.  Whether viewed literally or allegorically, Song of Songs emphasizes the centrality of ideal love in the quest of God.

32. † As the Jewish people settled in new lands and were removed from their homeland., the Jewish leaders were concerned about the people losing sight of their ancestor’s accomplishments † One of the Jewish leaders, whose name remains unknown, wrote the Book of Wisdom to encourage the Jews to remain faithful to the wisdom revealed in their history and tradition † There are 3 main divisions of the Book of Wisdom: † The first addresses the reward of justice, † the second praises wisdom † and the third reflects on the Exodus events. WISDOM: Seeking the Truth

33. Wisdom Personified personification † a notable trait of the Book of Wisdom is the use of personification. † this writing technique gives human traits to non human objects. † In the Book, Wisdom is personified as a female † The ultimate embodiment of God’ the Father’s, wisdom is realized in Jesus Christ Sophia Sapientia Wisdom, also called Sophia in Greek and Sapientia in Latin, is God’s wisdom.

34. † The Book if Wisdom presents wisdom as a manifestation of the creative spirit of God. † Wisdom is called an “instructress” in the ways of God. † In the Book of Wisdom, wisdom preserves the history and salvation, by reminding the Jewish community of God’s creation of the world and salvation of Israel in the Exodus. † Wisdom reminds the people that God is both creator and rescuer. Teacher, Counselor, and Preserver

35. continued  Wisdom gives courage to the fearful, delivering the enslaved, sheltering the lost, and opening “the mouths of the dumb.”  From the beginning of creation to its culmination, wisdom connects human beings  to the stories of the past,  unifies the family of today,  and sings of that which has yet to be spoken.

37. THE BOOK OF SIRACH This book is also known as Ecclesiasticus and was written around 180 BC by Jesus Ben Sira. Sirach is organized around one central theme: “All wisdom comes from the Lord and with him it remains forever.” (1:1) Sirach praises the wisdom revealed in the heroes of Jewish faith. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one, finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. Sirach 6:14-15 A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one, finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. Sirach 6:14-15

38. Closing Prayer Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church: the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior's coming and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his presence will bestow, for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

39. Ten Questions 1. What is recounted in the Book of Job? 2. What lessons can we learn from Job’s suffering? 3. What are the three types of hymns in the Book of Psalms? 4. How are the Psalms important for the People of God? 5. What are some of the main themes in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

40. Ten Questions 6. What is the main literacy genre in the Song of Songs? 7. How is the Song of Songs an allegory? 8. Why are the three main divisions of the Book of Wisdom? 9. How is wisdom personified in the Wisdom of Solomon? 10. What is the meaning of Carpe Diem.

41. Answers 1. The Book of Job recounts the suffering of a man named Job who refused to let go of his faith and love for God. 2. From this book we learn that suffering is not always the result of personal sin and must not be viewed as a punishment from God, God does not want his People to suffer, the life of faith takes root in a patient heart, and God deserves our faith and love when life takes a turn for the worse.

42. Answers Cont. 3. The three hymns are lament, thanksgiving, and praise. 4. The Psalms are a voice of hope in despair, truth amid misunderstanding, and interconnection in the face of isolation. 5. The main themes of the Ecclesiastes are to seek wisdom, truth, face sorrow, and live each day well.

43. Answers Cont. 6. The main genre is poetry, usually love poetry. 7. The Song of Songs is an allegory for the relationship between God and the Israelites, the Church, and the individual. This is because God shows his love in the Song of Songs, and this is what he shows to his people. 8. One regards justice, one praises wisdoms, and reflects Exodus.

44. Answer Cont. 9. Wisdom is personified as Sophia, a woman that emphasizes the feminine nature of wisdom. 10. Seize the day.