Wisdom Literature

The Two Main Forms of Wisdom Literature Found in the Bible

There are two Main Forms of Wisdom Writings or Wisdom Literature in the Bible. The first type is comprised of short, pithy sayings which state rules for personal happiness and welfare or condense the wisdom of experience and make acute observations about life. The proverbs are the primary example of these.

The second type takes the form of contemplative or speculative wisdom: monologues, dialogues, or essays which delve into basic problems of human existence such as the meaning of life and the problem of suffering. The words contemplative or speculative in ancient literature usually refers to the practical and empirical rather than the mystical or abstract.

The three primary wisdom texts in the Old Testament are Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. However, Lamentations, and Song of Solomon can also be classified as wisdom literature as their graphic figures of speech and highly stylized forms. In addition, many place Ruth, Esther, and large parts of Daniel within a broader definition of wisdom since they too deal with subtler aspects of the meaning of existence.

Each of these styles were common in the countries surrounding Israel. Here are a couple of examples of non-Jewish wisdom literature that demonstrate this. As you read them, keep in mind that a common style does not mean a shared theology. While the Jews often used literary forms and styles common to their neighbors, what they said with them was very different.

Examples of Short, pithy sayings from a non Jewish source

Counsels of Wisdom (Babylonian 1500-1100)

Let your mouth be controlled and your speech guarded:
Therein is a man’s wealth— let your lips be very precious.
Let insolence and blasphemy be your abomination;
Speak nothing profane nor any untrue report.
A talebearer is accursed.

Proverbs from the late Assyrian period (ca. 700)

The spider spun a web for a fly.
A lizard was caught
On the web, to the spider’s disadvantage!

Sumerian and Akkadian Examples of bilingual proverbs

Whom you love— you bear (his) yoke.

A people without a king (is like) sheep without a shepherd.

Has she become pregnant without intercourse? Has she become fat without eating?

Two Examples of Similar Non-Jewish and Jewish Proverbs

Instruction of Amenemope (Egyptian ca. 1000)

Give thy ears, hear what is said,
give thy heart to understand them.
To put them in thy heart is worthwhile

Do not carry off the landmark at the boundaries of the arable land,

Here are similar ideas expressed in Proverbs.

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise
and apply your mind to my knowledge;
for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you.

Do not remove an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless

Again, it is important to note that while you find many similarities between Jewish and non-Jewish writings there are also many important differences. It is much the same as how a modern Christian writer or minister might use a popular movie to make an important theological point.

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