parables studied here. It is a Wisdom unlike that of a Ben Sira because it tends to challenge or reverse conventional values rather than strengthen or reinforce them. Throughout this discussion good reasons have been noted to say that Jesus taught a Wisdom that entailed a counter order, and often it was a Wisdom from below, not one that propped up the status quo or supported the values of the wealthy few. Paradoxically enough, the source of the counter order was indeed from above—the inbreaking eschatological