Wisdom literature adds to learning

When we have the ability to learn from others, in so doing, we expand our understanding and our horizons. In that same vein, I share some poetic pieces of Biblical wisdom below.

Some may be familiar with the Bible and its contents, others less so. Some may know that the Bible is a library of 66 books, others may not have any given it pause for thought. Some may be well aware that there are many different types of literature, different genres, within the Bible. Others may not know that. The Bible includes historical literature, drama, legal documents, songs, poetry, wisdom literature, apocalyptic literature, prayers, sermons, speeches, parables, and letters. Sometimes these genres overlap or are nestled together, such as the prayers and poetry of the Psalms, or the history in the letters of the New Testament.

The following excerpts are from the wisdom literature of Proverbs. It is a collection of some sayings and poems associated with Solomon, and while not all of it is written by him, Solomon is the one who started the Jewish wisdom tradition and literature. They are from two chapters towards the end of the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs Chapter 27

¹ Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

² Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth.

³ Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

¹² The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

¹⁴ If anyone loudly blesses their neighbour early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.

¹⁹ As water reflects the face so one’s life reflects the heart.

²² Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding them like grain with a pestle, you will not remove their folly from them.

And from Chapter 28

1 The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

⁶ Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.

¹⁹ Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

²³ Whoever rebukes a person will gain favour rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

²⁶ Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

I trust that one of more of these pithy sayings will resonate with you.

Tim Watson
Principal