Help for Understanding the Bible’s Wisdom Books

The wisdom books of the Bible include Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs. Some of the Psalms also fall into the wisdom classification. Wisdom, one of about eight types of literature found in the Bible, is an ancient writing form that can sound very foreign to modern ears. 

Unfortunately, many Christians don’t spend much time reading the wisdom books in the Bible. And when we do, we often struggle to understand what it means. Or worse yet, we misunderstand and don’t even realize it. (See also “Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Genres.”)

This post shares four types of wisdom literature and gives some practical tips for reading and studying the wisdom books of the Bible. (See also “8 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs” and “5 Tips to Help You Understand the Psalms.”)

Wisdom Literature Defined

If you looked up “wisdom” in a dictionary you’d find a definition something like this: “The knowledge of what is right or true and the judgment needed to rightly apply it.” Not a bad explanation. In general, “wisdom” is the ability to make good choices in life. But for the Christian, there is more to it. True wisdom is the ability to make good, godly choices in life.

The Bible acknowledges and teaches that God is the source of wisdom. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Therefore, if we truly want to live a wise life, we will submit to God and His commands. 

Wisdom literature seeks to help the reader make the best choices in life. Biblical wisdom literature guides the reader to make the best godly choices in life.

Ancient teachers of wisdom wanted their students to remember what they learned. Therefore, they employed various literary techniques to make their wisdom memorable. Wisdom teachers used literary tools like poetry (Psalm 73), acrostics (Proverbs 31), alliteration (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8), word pictures like similes and metaphors (Psalm 1), parables, allegories, riddles, and more.

Before we break down the different types or styles of wisdom writing, let’s consider one thing to keep in mind with all wisdom literature. Ancient wisdom writing is grounded in ancient life. The wisdom teachers used examples and images from a culture and time very different from ours. But the core wisdom is timeless, valuable, and applicable to our lives today. 

4 Types and Tips for Understanding

The genre of “wisdom” literature includes several specific types or different styles of wisdom writing. While the various wisdom books of the Bible may use a primary style, most include multiple types. 

Proverbs 

A proverb is a brief, pithy statement expressing a principle about life that is generally true. They state simple, observable declarations about life in easy-to-remember terms. To this end, the teachers used a lot of imagery and figurative language. They do not teach doctrine or consider every possibility that may impact a given situation. Proverbs are principles, not promises. They teach probable truth, not absolute truth. (Also see “3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs.”)

Tips for understanding proverbs:

• Seek the underlying principle. Look beyond any imagery and figurative language to find the foundational timeless principle. 
• View it as a principle, not a promise. These guidelines for wise living don’t cover every possible scenario or circumstance. They do not guarantee outcomes, but rather give us the best opportunity for a desired outcome.
• Don’t impose our modern, Western mindset and values. Remember proverbs are based in ancient culture and ancient standards

Poetry 

Poetry comprises 33% of the Old Testament. There are various types of poetry, including prayers, songs, liturgies, and wisdom.

Parallelism is the basic foundation of ancient Hebrew poetry.  This literary devise combines two lines that focus on a single idea. Although there are numerous variations of parallelism, most are slight variations of two primary types. In “synonymous parallelism” the second line enhances, adds to, and agrees with the first. In “contrastive parallelism” the second line stands in contrast or opposition to the first. 

Because of this basic structure, we understand that the second line does not express a new idea but rather teaches us something more about the first line. (See also “How to Read Hebrew Poetry” and “5 Tips to Help You Understand the Psalms.”)

Tips for understanding poetry:

• Consider the parallelism – Remember that the second line is not separate and distinct from the first line, but a reflection of it.
• Keep the whole poem in mind – Each poem is a unit. Each verse must be considered in light of the overall context.
• Watch for word pictures – Literary devices like metaphors, similes, and hyperbole are not intended to be taken literally. Look for the spiritual truth the word picture teaches.

Instruction

This type of wisdom writing is a brief exhortation or command urging the hearer to obey. The teacher’s purpose is to persuade the hearer to adopt or stop certain behavior. The teacher’s goal is to help the hearer. The instruction usually includes the command and a reason to obey. These can be short or more lengthy. (See Ecclesiastes 8:2-3, 12:13 for examples.)

Tips for understanding wisdom instruction:

• Identify the primary command – The command may be surrounded by clauses that support and explain. Boil it all down to the one, basic instruction.
• Recognize the benefit – Usually the teacher encourages his readers to obey his instruction by telling them how obedience will benefit them. 
• Examine your life in light of this command – Wisdom is meant to be applied! 

Personal Story or Reflection

Wisdom teachers often share a key truth or moral he learned from either personal experience, watching the experience of someone else, or from deeply thinking about things he has observed in the world. After telling the story or relating his observations, the author concludes with his moral. This type of wisdom writing is heavy in Ecclesiastes. See Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 and 4:7-12 for examples.

Tips for understanding personal story/reflection:

• Summarize or restate the primary moral of the story – Identify the basic wise principle the teacher made with his story. This moral will be timeless, crossing all historical and cultural gaps. 
• Double-check your conclusion – The components of the teacher’s story will support the moral. If they don’t, rethink your conclusion.
• Determine how the moral can be applied – Check your life against the key truth of the story.

The value of ancient wisdom

Although there are things outside our control that impact our circumstances, much of our life will be determined by the choices and decisions we make. The wisdom books of the Bible teach us how to apply God’s wisdom to our lives today. The more we fill our minds with God’s truth and align our thinking with His, the more we will naturally begin to exercise godly wisdom. 

Have you done much reading or study in one of the Bible’s wisdom books? If so, what’s your favorite?