Biblical Genres- Wisdom

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Biblical Genres- Wisdom

Read Proverbs 1

Wisdom literature is all through the scriptures and clear examples of this are books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Wisdom literature points to the best way to live but also asks questions beyond what is clear. Wisdom understand how things are not always clear but still points at the best way to live in the light of that uncertainty. Wisdom directs our path in the unknowable landscape of life. Wisdom keeps us humble so we keep learning but makes us knowledgeable so we can navigate what is right in front of us. Scripture tells us to seek wisdom and that is it readily available to us. The God of wisdom has placed his Spirit in you and called you to ask, seek, and knock.

1. Verse 7 says the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This refers to what one theologian called, “natural law is God’s law.” There is a cause and affect, a sowing and a reaping, there are consequences to our decision. Everything we do produces a result and all choices produce a result. This is wisdom asking the question, “What do you want to change so you can produce a different result in your life?

2. Wisdom means others know things you don’t. It means the humility to seek wisdom. Often we want the answer to come directly from God and ask for wisdom but God has placed wisdom all around us in the form of people. How do you pursue wisdom from those around you?

3. We often ask for wisdom but how available is wisdom according to this passage? Is there anything that make you resist or engage the wisdom around you?

4. Wisdom often comes in the form of profound questions that take a lifetime to live out. How would you answer this wisdom question, “What is the light that is mine to give to the world?”