Wisdom in Proverbs

What does the term “wisdom” mean when used by the sages of the Book of Proverbs? Wisdom begins by observing the order instilled by God in the natural, social, and divine realms. These observations can then be used to discern the path that most effectively leads to joy—this is one of the main forms of wisdom in Proverbs. While the sage is not averse to direct revelation from God, his particular contribution (or her contribution, in the case of King Lemuel’s mother in Prov 30) emerges from his or her surroundings.

The observations of the sages reveals that the universe operates with a measure of orderliness and predictability (Prov 24:30–34; 30:19). Certain causes result in certain effects, with a fair degree of reliability. In nature, ant colonies reveal lessons in diligence (Prov 6:6–8). In society, the skilled worker will enjoy promotion (Prov 22:29). In relation to the divine, the sage recognizes that genuine wealth consists of enjoying Yahweh’s blessing (Prov 10:22).

The sages collect observations not merely to expand knowledge, but to identify worthwhile aims and the way to achieve them. Wealth fails the durability test and so is not a worthwhile aim (Prov 23:5). Favor from God and people, on the other hand, constitutes a long-lasting benefit and so is a worthwhile aim (Prov 3:3–4). Worthy aims yield happiness.

The sage often describes life in terms of a journey (compare Prov 4:10–19). It is a dynamic process that presents the traveler with many choices—choices that, with a reasonable degree of certitude, would lead to an intended destination. Wise choices routinely coincide with moral choices (compare Prov 4:11 and 18)—although they’re not identical in meaning, the concepts of wisdom and morality are often interchangeable for the sage.

However, even the sages of Proverbs know that a wise and moral life does not always produce prosperity (e.g., Prov 17:1). Job and Ecclesiastes further develop this skeptical assessment of conventional wisdom.

Order, for the sage, traces to divine involvement (e.g., Prov 8:22–36). Since wisdom stems from God, it comes as no surprise that he would advocate reverence toward Yahweh as the starting point of any wisdom (compare Prov 1:7; 9:10; 30:1–9; 31:30). By using the name Yahweh, the sages confess that the divine being from whom wisdom originates is the God of Israel. And although many proverbs do not mention God, the passages where He is mentioned suggest the sage always acted in the confidence that God was present, aware, fair, and powerful.

Paul Overland

Further Reading

Wisdom Literature

Wisdom and Related Terms

The Fool in Proverbs