Thursday 05 June 2008

Background

The Bible contains many books and passages classified as 'wisdomliterature'. These books offer practical instructions for livingthe good life. Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes, along with some ofthe Psalms, fall into this category.

Like some of our traditional sayings, biblical wisdom literaturedates back to time immemorial. Other parts, which are much laterand much more sophisticated, challenge some of the easy answersgiven before. The book of Job, written perhaps during the traumaticexile of the Jews in Babylon, does this when it tries to grapplewith the meaning of suffering.

In the middle of the book we come across this passage about theplace where Wisdom (the quality in a personified form) can befound. It plays its part in the overall book, since it is Job'srealisation that he lacks understanding and knowledge which finallystops him questioning God (Job 42:3). Here welearn that Wisdom is a gift, whose whereabouts is known only toGod.

The idea of fearing God refers to the awe and wonder one feels inGod's presence when faced with who God is and what God has done. Itis not about being frightened of God. According to Scripture it isthe fear of the Lord that leads people to do God's will.

To Ponder

Where are the modern-day places where people lookfor wisdom?

Do you think there is any place for talk aboutthe fear of God today? Why?

Children must learn somehow that matches cancause fires that can burn them and that roads contain cars that canknock them over. In what way is learning about God different fromthese everyday examples of practical wisdom?