To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind(Proverbs 8:4).
Week 1 – What is wisdom literature?
We begin our study by considering the origins and purpose of wisdom literature found in scripture. Unlike most scripture in which God speaks to God’s people either directly or through messengers (think Moses and the prophets), wisdom literature often draws upon the life experiences and learned knowledge of ordinary people.
To read this week:
“Overview of Wisdom Literature” by Marjorie George
Unlike most scripture in which God speaks to God’s people either directly or through messengers (think Moses and the prophets), wisdom literature often draws upon the life experiences and learned knowledge of ordinary people: a father to his son, a discouraged teacher, friends to one who is suffering.
Click title to download Overview of Wisdom Literature
“Wisdom Literature in Scripture” by the Rev. Patricia Riggins
In the several scriptural writings we call wisdom literature, we discover that wisdom lacks a precise definition because it covers a wide range of usages and encompasses a variety of qualities
Click to download Wisdom Literature in Scripture.
“Sophia as Archetype” by Carla Pineda
Carl Jung taught that archetypes are part of humanity’s collective unconscious or memory of universal experiences. In Jungian psychology, archetype is a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, or image, universally present in individual psyches. That means Sophia/wisdom is available to all of us.
Click to download Sophia as Archetype.
Questions for reflection
If you are are using this study on your own, spend some reflecting on the questions. Maybe carry one question a day with you and and see where wisdom presents it self throughout the day.
What wisdom did you learn from parents, grandparents, and other elders in your life?
Who among your family and friends do you consider to be wise? What characteristics does that person have?
What is the most important wisdom you have to pass to your grandchildren and other young people?
What wisdom do you most seek at this time in your life? How will you go about finding it?
What did you find most intriguing about the readings for the week?
Scripture this week
Read Proverbs 8:1-11
Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.[a]
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
For a DF with three different translations, click here.
Practice: Making the scripture your own using lectio divina:
1. Read the scripture through one time.
What word, phrase, or image strikes you, sits on your heart?
if doing the practice in a small group, go around the group allowing each person to say his or her word, phrase, or image with no comments.
If doing the practice alone, record you word, phrase or image on paper or in a journal or notebook.
2. Read the scripture a second time, using a different Bible translation. If working in a group, have a different person read the scripture.
How does this word, phrase, or image relate to you today?
if doing the practice in a small group, go around the group allowing each person to say his or her word, phrase, or image with no comments.
If doing the practice alone, record you word, phrase or image on paper or in a journal or notebook.
3. Read the scripture a third time, using a different Bible translation and a different reader if working in a group.
What is the personal invitation to you from Sophia? What is wisdom calling you to do or be?
If in a group, give each person five minutes to answer.
If doing the practice alone, respond in words, poetry, or art in a journal or notebook.
Closing Poem/Prayer
Naming Toward God (click to read or download)
The Wisdom Years 