Wisdom Literature
Where we're headed:
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Is wisdom universal or specific to God’s people?
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What is wisdom? 2 aspects
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What are the key themes? 3 of them
What is wisdom?
ḥokmâ
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Exod 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26
Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
ḥokmâ
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Exod 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26
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1 Kings 3:28
Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.
ḥokmâ
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Exod 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26
- 1 Kings 3:28
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Ezra 7:25
And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them.
ḥokmâ
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Exod 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26
- 1 Kings 3:28
- Ezra 7:25
Is wisdom something cognitive/rational?
Where can Wisdom be Found?
Creation...
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?”
Job 38:4-7
The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,
before his deeds of old;
I was formed long ages ago,
at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
Prov 8:22-23
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Prov 13:12
Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding, ... She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
Prov 3:13, 18
So “wisdom” is rational?
What about OT Parallels?
What is wisdom missing that the
rest of the canon has?
Fear of the Lord
Prov 1:7, 9:10
Eccl 12:13
Job 28:20-28
So “wisdom” is relational?
Theodicy
Retribution Principle
Why does this matter?
Wisdom Literature
By James Cuénod
