Studies In The Book Of Wisdom

The papers in this volume focus on various aspects of the deuterocanonical Book of Wisdom. They research the traditions and theology of the Book of Wisdom, and demonstrate its relationship with the contemporary literature of early Judaism and Middle Platonic thought.

The Book of Wisdom is regarded as a precious document of the Alexandrian Jewish diaspora. During the 20th century, a considerable number of studies has beendedicated to the Alexandrian culture. This research requires a review of its a oeenjeux mA(c)thodologiquesa and a more ample and complete a oehistorical approacha seems to be necessary in order to comprehend to which extent the author might have been influenced by his social background. This study presents a comparison between scholars from different areas and with diverse approaches. It paves the way for a thematic assessment of the historical and theological aspects of the Book of Wisdom in order to research its structural unity, its particular historical value and the specific, not granted, theological importance.

The volume publishes papers delivered at the International Conference on the Deuterocanonical Books (Pápa, Hungary). This conference dealt with the Book of Wisdom. As such, this was one of the most extended discussions of the Book of Wisdom that has ever taken place at a scholarly meeting. The volume contains articles on the traditions and theology of the Book of Wisdom, and demonstrates its relationship with the contemporary literature of early Judaism and Middle Platonic thought.

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Superior studies on salient themes and texts of Proverbs now join similar anthologies on Job and Ecclesiastes that have been compiled by Roy B. Zuck. 'Learning from the Sages' assembles thirty-two essays by twenty-seven scholars, covering genre, themes, and expositions of selected passages. Some include technical details of Hebrew, but in-depth linguistic knowledge is not necessary. Part 1 looks at the structure, context, and message of Proverbs, and offers suggestions on understanding its content, terms used, and metaphors for wisdom, wealth, and poverty. Essays on individual texts are arranged in canonical order in Part 2. Commentators discuss such memorable sections as the advice to young men in Chapter 3, the seductress of Chapter 5, and the comparisons of the fool and the wise. Contributors include Kathleen Farmer, R.N. Whybray, William Mouser, Jr., Bruce Waltke, William McKane, Roland Murphy, Duane Garrett, Sid Buzzell, Allen Ross, and David Hubbard.

The study of wisdom is challenging and thought provoking. This volume sheds light on the age-old question: What is wisdom and where does it come from? Evidence of wisdom can be seen in both perception and performance, in sacred scriptures and in brain images. An eminent group of scholars from fields as diverse as theology, philosophy, medicine, biology, psychology, and linguistics were brought together to bring focus to this understudied area of scientific research. Editor Warren Brown presents his research on brain functioning, drawn from observing individuals with damage to specific neural areas, to suggest the importance of integration between hemispheres of the brain to comprehend complex situations in a way that may be termed “wise.” Diana Van Lancker also looks at hemispheres of the brain and explores studies that show that left brain functioning is related to prayers, chants, and sayings often used in religious practice. Wolfgang Mieder, recognized as the foremost scholar in the study of proverbs, explores the secular use of the biblical proverb of “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Matt. 12:25). R. E. Clements also looks to the book of Proverbs and focuses on its ultimate goal: virtue and wholeness.