Practical Wisdom (contains some material which may date from as early as the time of Solomon (c. 1000 BCE), however, the whole collection received its final form in the post-Exilic period.
Biblical Book - The Psalms and Proverbs
Typical Values - Propriety and enlightened self-interest. Correct ethical behavior is the means to
material success. Labor and learning, self- discipline and moderation, honesty, righteousness, humility,
charity, chastity, obedience to Yahweh will result in happiness and well-being.
Eg. (Proverbs 11:17 and The First Psalm) (simple
optimism. The lack of emphasis on the specific history of Israel should be noted.)
Literary Form - Simple,"catchy" sayings. (Note the influence of Egyptian and Babylonian Wisdom
literature. The "thirty sayings" of Proverbs 22:17-24:22 closely resemble a known Egyptian text, The Instruction of Amen em Opet, which is in Pritchard's Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Bible, pp. 237-243)
Theological/Philosophical Wisdom
Biblical Books - Proverbs, Job
Typical Values - The value of Wisdom itself, which is personified as the ultimately desirable and
worthy woman (Proverbs 1:20 and 7:4) and as a cosmic principle by which Yahweh
founded his creation. (Proverbs 3:19-20 and 8:22). The simplicity of practical wisdom is questioned.
Literary Form - longer and more refined.
Skeptical Wisdom
Biblical Books - Job, Ecclesiastes
Typical Values - The values of wisdom, faith, patience, charity and obedience to Yahweh are still
commended (Ecclesiastes 11:1-10)
although the simple understanding that they will bring earthly reward is refuted (Ecclesiastes 7:15).
The limits of human wisdom are emphasized.
(Job 38:4-5,
Ecclesiastes. 3:21).
Literary Form - longer and more refined.