The Books of Wisdom Literature

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11 KJV)

The books of Wisdom Literature are the greatest collection of poetry, knowledge, and praise that can be found. In these five books we have a variety of issues discussed that not only were relevant to the original readers of these books, but also apply to life today. In these five books we address the topic of evil, pain, and suffering (in Job), praise, prayer, pleadings, and meditations from the heart (Psalms), wisdom (Proverbs), the true meaning of life (Ecclesiastes), and love (Song of Solomon). These five books treat five great problems and their solution: the problem of suffering (Job), the problem of prayer (Psalms), the problem of conduct (Proverbs), the problem of chief good (Ecclesiastes), and the problem of love (Song of Solomon).

Job: The book of Job details the suffering of the man Job. It is believed that the book is among some of the earliest books of Scripture. Job lived during the time of the patriarchal age, perhaps around the time of Abraham. The general audience of this book is God’s people at any age. One thing that must be understood about the book of Job is that Job was a REAL PERSON (other writers in Scripture mention Job; Ezek. 14:14-20, James 5:11) and the events that took place and the suffering he endured were also REAL. This is not a fictional tale intended to give the reader hope during difficult times but is a historical record of God’s providential care for us, even when it may seem as if He does not care for us. The purpose of the book is to show the reader that God never gives up on those who are His children; though at times, mourning, troubled, and persecuted, may be on the verge of giving up on Him. In this great book we learn that God is more powerful than Satan, even the “good” suffer, suffering is not necessarily due to sin, and not to quickly judge others. The message of Job is a reminder to the reader that we must patiently endure the trials of life, with unswerving trust in God!

Psalms: It has been said that, “Christ’s favorite Old Testament section must have been the Psalms because He quoted from it more often than any other book.” The psalms major thrust is to show the reader the great need for adoration in our hearts for God. The book of Psalm is the longest book in the Bible, containing 150 chapters, the longest Psalm is 119 (176 verses), and the shortest Psalm is 117 (2 verses). Most of the time people attribute the psalms to King David as being the writer, but he is only one of the writers. Among the many contributors to the book of Psalms are Moses, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra, the rest of the writers are unidentified. The overall theme of the book of Psalms is the majesty of God, the grandeur of His works, and the greatness of His Word. Though some may feel distance between themselves and God, an exploration of the Psalms will help draw one closer and ever closer to Him, and, like the psalmists, be driven to praise, honor, and worship the Almighty. Contained within the Psalms may be one of the most comforting sections of words throughout all of Scripture (Psalm 23). The picture of God as a loving and caring Shepherd that goes to great lengths to provide comfort and safety for those that belong to Him are seen in this great Psalm and help us to understand the type of love He has for us.

Proverbs: The book of Proverbs can be summed up in one word, “wisdom.” Proverbs contains a collection of lessons that, though written several centuries ago, can make one wise. The overall thrust of this book can be seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). Through a study of this book we learn that the wicked will receive according to their deeds (1:10-19), counsel is to be sought and when wise is to be treasured (12:15; 19:20; 11:14; 15:22; 24:6), not only men but also nations should be righteous ((14:34), words can help or harm (15:4; 6:17; 17:20; 18:21), wine is a vice (20:1). Proverbs deals with a wide range of subjects, addressing both attitudes and motives such as envy, anger, pride, self-control, love, and humility. The book of Proverbs contains thirty-one chapters, and many have said that they study one chapter of Proverbs each day, which is not bad advice.

Ecclesiastes: The name of the book means “the preacher” and is a record of the wisdom Solomon delivers to his son. Ecclesiastes shows Solomon’s search for the greatest good. The question of, “what is good in life” is stated at the outset of the book and is answered at the ending. Solomon finds through his experience and wisdom that true happiness is not found in wisdom, wealth, pleasure, or power. The key word of the book is “vanity” and it is within this book that man will find that his life is vain without God. Dear reader take heed to the conclusion of life as stated by Solomon: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Song of Solomon: The Song of Solomon is a book of true love. The book shows the feelings and desires of a man and his lover. This great book may very well be the most overlooked book in all of Scripture. Many have criticized the book for its use of blunt language, and many have stated embarrassment from reading the book. One of the reasons for the criticisms of this book may be the perversion of love and marriage that has taken place in our society. The Bible instructs mankind, and God has given us all that pertain to life and godliness in His Word, and such is the case with the Song of Solomon. The Song of Solomon shows pure and simple, physical love in the proper sphere (2:2-3), far above the lusts of the flesh. Among the many great lessons within this book, every married couple should find the theme for their relationship in Song of Solomon 6:3, and perhaps this would be a remedy for the destruction of God’s plan for marriage, as over half of all marriages end in divorce. “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies” (Song 6:3).

Just as the wild animals pant for water during the heat of the day, may we all desire the Word of God and continue to study and apply it to our lives.

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)