What are the Wisdom Books of the Bible?
Identify the authors. 1. In the Old Testament, Job, Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Songs of Song (Solomon). 2. The Epistle of James, in the New Testament, is included in the list of Wisdom Books. 3. They give the readers “insights and guidelines” for practical and moral living. 4. The first of the three books presents useful insights for living in the form of proverbs or a number of wise pithy statements (sayings). What is the common saying repeated by the Wisdom Books? 1. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10 cf James 1:5; Ecclesiastes 3:14; 8:12, 13; 7:18; Job 23:15). 2. The theme, “the fear of the Lord,” is highlighted in the literature because it is how wisdom begins. It is the initial step towards true wisdom. 3. Remember the Jewish people interpreted wisdom as an understanding of how to please and honor God in their daily practical living. It is the practice of godly living that is emphasized by the wisdom writings of the Hebrews.
