Old Testament Study: Wisdom Literature (Onsite)

Lecturer: Dr Lindsay Wilson

Focus: Proverbs and Job

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate developing/ functional/ advanced knowledge and understanding of the contents, themes and character of Old Testament Wisdom Literature in the English text.

B. Be able to

1. Analyse the ‘introductory’ issues in understanding Old Testament Wisdom Literature.
2. Evaluate alternative interpretations of the themes and theological teachings of Old Testament Wisdom Literature.
3. Exegete selected chapters of the English text of Old Testament Wisdom Literature.

C. Be in a position to

1. Exegete selected chapters of the English text of Old Testament Wisdom Literature.
2. Apply the teaching of Old Testament Wisdom Literature to contemporary Christian living and ministry practice.

Course Content

The course will cover the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament. It is divided into two sections.

1. Wisdom literature with special reference to the books of Proverbs & Job.
2. The Exegesis of the English text of the following:
   Job 1-2, 14, 19, 28, 38-39, 42; Proverbs 1-2, 8-9.

Required Pre-reading for Seminars

• What do the wisdom books teach about the fear of the Lord?
  • R.K. Hawkins, Ancient Wisdom for the Good Life (Hendrickson, 2023), 44-61.
  • L. Wilson, ‘The Book of Job and the Fear of God’, TynB 46 (1995) 59-79.
• How are we to understand and apply Proverbs?
  • F. Holmgren, ‘Barking Dogs Never Bite, Except Now and Then: Proverbs and Job’, Anglican Theological Review 61/3 (1979) 341-353
  • D.J. Estes, ‘Well-Crafted Proverbs—and yet God’s Inspired Word’, Presbyterion 45 (2019): 47-59.
• Does Proverbs teach prosperity theology?
  • R.K. Hawkins, Ancient Wisdom for the Good Life (Hendrickson, 2023), 168-180.
  • L. Wilson, ‘Does the Book of Proverbs support prosperity theology?’, unpublished paper delivered at Society of Asian Biblical Studies, Seoul, 2016.
• Is it right for Christians to lament?
  • L. Wilson, ‘Lament as a Prayer of Faith’, A Time for Sorrow. Recovering the Practice of Lament in the Life of the Church (eds. S. McDonough and S. Harrower; Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2019), 5-29
• What does the book of Job teach about suffering?
  • L. Wilson, Job (THOTC; Eerdmans, 2015) 211-219
  • E. Ortlund, ‘Five Truths for Sufferers from the Book of Job’, BibSac 166 (Oct-Dec 2009): 405-420
• What is the relationship between wisdom & Old Testament theology?
  • G.V. Smith, ‘Is There a Place for Job’s Wisdom in Old Testament Theology?’, TrinJ 13NS (1992) 3-20
  • D.J. Estes, ‘Proverbs and Biblical Theology: Can This Slipper Fit?, Presbyterion 27 (2021): 30-43