Proverbs 8:32-9:6
I know I shouldn’t say this but those little desk calendars that give you a pithy piece of advice or reveal some ‘clever’ piece of writing by some great author are variations on what this Book of Proverbs is trying to offer. It comes from what is called the “Wisdom Literature” in Hebrew writings. The Wisdom of Solomon being the obvious connection.
Wisdom is always referred to in the feminine in Hebrew thinking, something my daughter would approve of and question why it needs stating. In this passage wisdom is inviting the young men to listen to her wisdom that they might live good lives. The allegory of the feast is typical of this Book. Eating and drinking is about taking in the wisdom on offer and growing in it. The whole Book (which is made up of sage advice gathered down through the years) is about people living a moral life.
Interestingly it does not touch upon the great events in the formation of Israel, the Covenant, Exodus, the Law.
Wisdom is not the same as being clever: for the writers of this Book, the beginning of wisdom is fear (respect) for God.
I know I shouldn’t say this but those little desk calendars that give you a pithy piece of advice or reveal some ‘clever’ piece of writing by some great author are variations on what this Book of Proverbs is trying to offer. It comes from what is called the “Wisdom Literature” in Hebrew writings. The Wisdom of Solomon being the obvious connection.
Wisdom is always referred to in the feminine in Hebrew thinking, something my daughter would approve of and question why it needs stating. In this passage wisdom is inviting the young men to listen to her wisdom that they might live good lives. The allegory of the feast is typical of this Book. Eating and drinking is about taking in the wisdom on offer and growing in it. The whole Book (which is made up of sage advice gathered down through the years) is about people living a moral life.
Interestingly it does not touch upon the great events in the formation of Israel, the Covenant, Exodus, the Law.
Wisdom is not the same as being clever: for the writers of this Book, the beginning of wisdom is fear (respect) for God.