The 7 Wisdom Books

An overview of the wisdom literature of the Bible. Written for those who are new to the wisdom books as well as for those who just want to refresh their memory. A synopsis for each book is given. The Book of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Song of Solomon (Song of Songs), Wisdom of Solomon, and Ecclesiasticus (Wisdom of Sirach) are all covered.

This valuable resource introduces readers to the Old Testament books of wisdom and poetry--Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs--and helps them better understand each book's overall flow. Estes summarizes some of each book's key issues, offers an exposition of the book that interacts with major commentaries and recent studies, and concludes with an extensive bibliography. Now in paperback.

Many today find the Old Testament a closed book. The cultural issues seem insurmountable and we are easily baffled by that which seems obscure. Furthermore, without knowledge of the ancient culture we can easily impose our own culture on the text, potentially distorting it. This series invites you to enter the Old Testament with a company of guides, experts that will give new insights into these cherished writings. Features include • Over 2000 photographs, drawings, maps, diagrams and charts provide a visual feast that breathes fresh life into the text. • Passage-by-passage commentary presents archaeological findings, historical explanations, geographic insights, notes on manners and customs, and more. • Analysis into the literature of the ancient Near East will open your eyes to new depths of understanding both familiar and unfamiliar passages. • Written by an international team of 30 specialists, all top scholars in background studies.

Our Power and Wisdom The book of Proverbs says, “Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven pillars” (Proverbs 9:1). And the apostle Paul referred to Jesus Christ as “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24) to us. Legendary Bible teacher Herbert Lockyer unfolds the seven “pillars” of divine wisdom demonstrated in Christ’s incarnation and redeeming work on earth that the church upholds as essential truths of the faith. Understanding these pillars will help us to become more like Jesus and to fulfill God’s purposes, both here and in eternity: The Pillar of Mystery The Pillar of Incarnation The Pillar of Vindication The Pillar of Revelation The Pillar of Proclamation The Pillar of Belief The Pillar of Glorification The early church was dynamic in its witness because it continued steadfastly in these pillars of the Christian faith. Likewise, when we meditate reverently on the events and truths of Jesus’ coming to earth, we appreciate more deeply the great salvation that we have received, and we become more eager and able to share these liberating truths with others.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." In the Wisdom literature of the Bible we first hear the cool voice of a teacher calling us to think--to think hard and humbly. "How long will fools hate knowledge?" cries Wisdom in the book of Proverbs. Then in Job comes the anguished voice of the questioner, earnest enough to seek answers, honest enough to doubt easy ones. In Ecclesiastes the chastened tone of the Preacher warns of the vanity of all life under the sun. Sensitive to both literary form and theological content, Derek Kidner introduces Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes, explaining their basic character and internal structure. He also summarizes and evaluates the wealth of modern criticism focused on each book. Looking at all three books together, Kidner shows how their many voices compare, contrast and ultimately give a unified view of life. Kidner extends his analysis to include Ecclesiasticus and The Wisdom of Solomon from the Apocrapha, and he reprints excerpts from non-Israelite works that parallel the three major books treated.

First time in paperback: “One of the most ambitious literary projects of this or any age.”—Adam Kirsch, New Republic Here in Robert Alter's bold new translation are some of the most magnificent works in world literature. The astounding poetry in the Book of Job is restored to its powerful ancient meanings and rhythms. The creation account in its Voice from the Whirlwind is beautiful and incendiary. By contrast, a serene fatalism suffuses Ecclesiastes with a quiet beauty, and the pithy maxims of Proverbs impart a worldly wisdom that is satirically shrewd. Each of these books addresses the universal wisdom that the righteous thrive and the wicked suffer in a rational moral order; together they are essential to the ancient canon that is the Hebrew Bible.