Wisdom literature arose in popularity in the ancient world, years before Jesus was born. These resources of philosophical truth give the reader advice on how to succeed in life, love, vocation, and relationships. The Biblical books of wisdom are Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, and Song of Solomon.
Their poetry, practicality, wisdom, encouragement, exhortation, and instruction are vital to our very existence both then and now. Take the book of Job, for instance. It chronicles the enslavement of Job to pain and destruction inspired by God’s challenge but inflicted on Job by satanic forces (Job 1:6-12).
Book of Job
During his suffering, Job questioned God about the misery He allowed Satan to impose on him, but God shifted this suffering Saint’s perspective to a higher purpose in His trials. God answers Job by revealing His majesty and pointing out Job’s limitations (Job 40:6-13).
Book of Proverbs
We gain Godly knowledge and skill for living from the many tidbits of insight in each chapter of the Book of Proverbs. This book also compares the differences of the morally deficient “fool” and the thoughtfully consecrated “wise” person, by contrasting their choices and attitude (Proverb 1:7). Within the folds of its pages, Proverbs covers us with reassurance, counsel, and coaching for a successful life.
Book of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes chronicles the pain and frustration generated in life by our choices and circumstances; the futility of a world full of misguided aspirations, biases, and discrimination; and the results of greed along with social and vocational “ladder climbing.” However, it also contrasts these concepts with the benefits of holy living according to the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit and His perfect plans for our life (Ephesians 2:10).
Book of Psalms
Each Psalm sizzles with praises to God, confessions of doubts and fears, sorrow over sinful thoughts and behavior, prophetic utterances concerning future events, and the unexplainable joy that comes from serving our Holy God. The most famous Psalm, of course, is Psalm 23, which brings comfort to those who suffer in their lifetime.
Book of Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon uses descriptive images and romantic expressions to describe a husband’s attraction to his wife’s beauty and charm. There is also the truth that the love and alure we feel for our mate deepens throughout our years of intimate unity in our relationship, and it mirrors God’s love and intimacy with His beloved nation of Israel.
Prayer:
Father God, You call us to walk away from the humanistic penchant to chase after the wind and to struggle with the task of storing up treasures in this life (Ecclesiastes 2:26). We do not want to be wise in our own eyes, but to honor You in all things and to walk away from negative thoughts, words, and deeds (Proverbs 3:7). Help all Your righteous Saints to speak wisdom and to mention only those things which are just and right (Psalm 37:30).
Remind us that You give us the full riches of complete understanding of Your Word, which teaches us Your mysteries - especially Christ in us, who is Your wisdom, and in whom are hidden all the treasures of knowledge of Your truth (Colossians 1:27, 2:2-3). When our ways please You, You give us Your wisdom, knowledge, peace, and joy in every area of our life (Proverbs 16:7-10).
Thoughts for the Day:
Continually ingesting, memorizing, and living by God's Word, gives us Godly instruction, caution, and guidance on how to live victoriously in this world. We come to understand the hidden mysteries and the real treasure in the scripture, which directs our steps and gives us advice to share with others.
- 2 Timothy 3:15; Colossians 2:2-3, 3:16
