When discovering the ideas of wisdom found in Proverbs, Song of Songs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Job, it becomes apparent that each of these wisdom writings are of significant importance in order to rightfully define the centrality of the character of God and his desire to live in relationship with his people. This is the common theme held by all five of these books. In becomes apparent for the addressing of each book within the understanding of the phrase “the fear of the Lord”. It seems that Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes praise wisdom and emphasize that true wisdom is to fear the Lord. Song of Songs struggles somewhat to define a relationship directly to God, moreover, more a description of relationship between a husband and wife and not that of fear. There is probably no other book of the Bible has such a variegated tapestry of interpretation (Walvoord & Zuck, 1988, p. 1009). However, that is what makes each of these books significant as it causes the reader to take a different perspective in interpreting each of these wisdom literatures. However, we cannot apply the Bible without knowing what it means, but we can know the Bible without applying it. Knowledge on its own is not enough: it should lead to action (Duvall & Hays, 2005, p. 213).
The writings of Proverbs are a collection of statements and truths combined together so that it creates attainable wisdom and discipline. Intentionally, proverbial sayings provide instruction for upright living and speak of the benefits the Lord has in store for those that follow His direction. Proverbs 2:7-8 states, “He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those who walk blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful...
... middle of paper ...
...ere is one aspect pertaining to wisdom that remains constant throughout these five books of wisdom and poetry, and that is true wisdom is the fear of the Lord. This is the entire duty of humans for there is nothing hidden from God whether good or evil. This is overtly apparent through each of these writings of knowledge literature. Therefore, by rightfully defining the centrality of the character of God and his desire to live in relationship with his people will help Christian believers to recognize that righteous living, as taught throughout these books, will bring integrity, stability, and blessings; however the realization that these are not absolute promises set in stone as Job and Ecclesiastes make clear. Nevertheless, knowing that God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent will surely bring every deed into judgment should give hope in His divine wisdom.
The daily application we can take from this passage of the Bible is the power of Godly wisdom. Without His wisdom, we will make choices that would not fully benefit us. God’s wisdom should be applied to every decision we make in our lives. God desires to be a part of every intricate detail of our lives, because He loves us so much. When we allow Him to be there for us, we will see no sorrow in it. What the Lord gives comes with no sorrow. Queen Esther, Mordecai and the Jews of Susa were made firm believers of this very true virtue as a believer of Jesus Christ. Just the Esther and her people discovered there is nothing impossible for Him to do for us. His wisdom will always prevail if we are willing to apply it to our daily lives. God is here to be our partner. He is our testimony of who we are in Him.
The Book of Job is one of the three books in the Hebrew bible whose genre is described as wisdom literature.1 Certainly the Book of Job satisfies the literary conventions that qualify a biblical book for such status. 2 Yet Job may be associated with wisdom in a much more literal sense. The Book of Job attempts to deal with a problematic question that confronts suffering humanity: why do bad things happen to good people? The variety and vehemence of commentators' contemporary responses to this chapter of the Bible is testament to the continued relevance of the Book of Job's wisdom thousands of years after it was written. Although the commentators examined herein arrive at differing and sometimes conflicting conclusions after reading the story of "the holy Arab"3, none are left indifferent.
In this book we shall begin with the main points which the teacher of this book as addressed to its reader, these points are mysterious, injustice and the frustrations of life. And in all these circumstances of life we see that God is the ruler and the controller of our destine. The first thing which the book as addressed to its reader is how someone can enjoy life through the gift of working hard which God as given to the sons of men under the sun. in this book life is been understood as useless because of its complications were by, no matter how somebody may spend the all entire life working and laboring hard, the question is this what do they have to show for it? Life is like casing after the wind because generation comes and go, but life continues. Therefore, no satisfactions, not even the ears can hear enough. In addition to this under the sun there is nothing new and there is no difference between the wise and the foolish because both of them they have same destine (death). This book teaches that the wiser you are, the more worries; the more you gain understand the more it hu...
Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Norman L. Geisler. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1983. Print.
Deffinbaugh, B. (n.d.). Wisdom Literature: The Psalms Part 1. Retrieved May 9, 2011, from Bible.org: http://bible.org/seriespage/wisdom-literature-psalms-part-i
Henry, Matthew. "Proverbs 31." Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible. Vol. III. McLean, Virg.: MacDonald, 1991. 971-77. Print.
Proverbs 1:20-33 is a climactic telling of what happens to those who do not fear the Lord and seek knowledge as said in Proverbs 1:7. Wisdom is not just talked about in the first chapter, but found throughout the book of Proverbs. Throughout there is also a common theme about what will happen to those who do not choose wisdom. This pericope is basically a set up for the rest of the book in regards to what happens to those who do not choose wisdom. Wisdom is also personified as a woman. Woman wisdom will seek after those who are simple and hate knowledge with patience for only so long; once she has had enough she will present to them one last option that is severe in hopes that they will change their ways.
Authority of Scripture reconciles the community with God and can transform our lives. To participate in the fuller blessing of understanding, it is important to view Scripture with historical and literary sensitivity, interpret theocentrically, ecclesially, and contextually. I realize each of these can be overwhelming to the average person who is seeking direction for a specific concern in their life. Therefore, Migliore reminds us, interpreting Scripture is practical engagement in the living of Christian faith, love, and hope in a still redeemed world. When we listen carefully to the voices of the past, from a worldwide culture, and guided by the Holy Spirit, we will open ourselves to those transformational opportunities.
The authors acknowledge that many books have been written on this topic. Their goal is to be unique by focusing on different types of literature (genres) so their readers will understand how to properly interpret them in the context they were written. This review will examine the principles the authors use to interpret the Bible. The review will summarize the book, followed by a critique, and a conclusion.
Scripture holds a prominent role in the sermon. In 2 Timothy 4:2, it states to “preach the word in season and out of season”. The Greek word for preach is ‘Kerusso’. It means to be a herald (proclaim) and to preach (announce) a message publicly and with conviction (persuasion). In this verse, Paul gave Timothy and the others ministers a charge and a commission to preach the Word. In order to be an effective preacher, the Word of God must be the foundation. In 2 Timothy 3:16, it states that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”. In other words, the Word of God was written by man, God-breathed and divinely inspired. The Scripture is important because it creates an argument or appeal that is persuading the audience to do something. The substance of our preaching must come from the Bible because the Bible comes from God. As messenger and ambassadors of God, we are obligated to speak the mind and thoughts of God.
"All of it is clear to a person who has understanding and right to those who have acquired knowledge." (Proverbs 8:6-9)
Cosby, Michael R. Interpreting Biblical Literature: An Introduction to Biblical Studies. Grantham: Stony Run, 2009. 120-25. Print.
In this paper I am trying to find out what true Biblical exegesis means. By finding that truth then I and the person reading this paper can leave with an understand-ing on how to comprehend the content of exegesis. Through out my paper you will see noted some of my sources. I have carefully read these books and have selected the best ones to fit the purpose of this document. I will be exploring many areas of exegesis and will be giving you a brief overview of these and then explaining different uses for exegesis.
Answering these questions is the purpose of this essay. I begin by arguing that the Bible cannot be adequately understood independent of its historical context. I concede later that historical context alone however is insufficient, for the Bible is a living-breathing document as relevant to us today as it was the day it was scribed. I conclude we need both testimonies of God at work to fully appreciate how the Bible speaks to us.
Protestants believe that the scriptures should be held above all else when it comes to Christianity. The “word” that is found in these scriptures is considered to be the rule of faith and practice. Hodge uses the example from the 39 articles in the Church of England that says scriptures contain everything necessary for salvation. This example is used by Hodge to add to his argument the importance of scripture. One of the major themes of Hodge’s work is that the Protestants believe that God is the inspiration for scriptures. The Protestants also believe that scripture tells us exactly what we need to know. The introduction to the text defines us three things that Protestants believes. The first is that they believe that Scriptures are the word of god and were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, secondly the scriptures contain supernatural revelations about God, and lastly the scriptures can be understood by the people without an interpreter or mediator.