Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction is a collaborative work by Craig G. Bartholomew and Ryan P. O’Dowd printed in 2011, examining and discussing the genre of wisdom literature with specific concentration on Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. The work begins with a discussion of wisdom literature in the Ancient Near East and the use of poetry in these writings. Each of the three books mentioned above are treated in an overall fashion and then one specific aspect or passage unique to that book is discussed. The work concludes with a threefold discussion: “Jesus, the Wisdom of God,” “The Theology of the Old Testament,” and “The Theology of Wisdom Today.” One is grateful to the authors for having an author, subject, and scripture index included in the work, all of which gives the reader an welcome pathway for referring to the discussion of detailed subjects.

Two thoughts appear in the “Introduction” that deserve special attention. First is the loss of wonder. It is the contention of the authors that our society and culture has moved to such a place that our sense of wonder been diminished. Further, that diminishing of wonder has somehow lessened our ability to appreciate the world around us as a source of wisdom – not just a source of information. Second, and closely related to wonder, is the loss of appreciation in the “vast and miraculous” (14) fact of our created reality. From the comfort and security mankind has in our modern abilities and facilities, to the increase of scientific pursuits and knowledge that catalogues and dissects every aspect of our world, we have lost something vital in the theology of wisdom that grows from a wonder of creation. If the wisdom literature does anything, it points us to a God that has revealed thru both general and special revelation the path of harmony in this life.

The chapters that present an overview of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes are excellent in presenting both information from a traditional standpoint and injecting information from more contemporary sources which makes for a balanced and informed commentary of these books. But, it is in the closer look at the unique aspects of these books that Bartholomew & O’Dowd distinguish their work. Following the chapter on Proverbs comes a chapter on “Women, Wisdom, and Valor” that focuses on chapter 31. Wisdom in this chapter is given by a woman on one hand (by the mother of King Lemuel, v.1-9), and exemplified by the public actions of the virtuous woman who is steeped in wisdom (v.10-31). The chapter “Where Can Wisdom Be Found?” is a discussion revolving around the ode to wisdom as recorded in Job 28. No matter how one views chapter 28 and its place in the narrative, this strophe provides rich ground for reflection upon man’s inability to find true wisdom without a recognition of God as Lord of all creation. The final selection of poetry considered is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – “For Everything There Is a Season” – which is one of the best known and most quoted passages from the book. The beauty of this passage points to the realization that God’s order in creation touches every aspect of a person’s life and activities. These side excursions add a depth to the overall theological discussions of the wisdom literature that is both enlightening and delightful.

Although the authors go into greater detail, it should be remembered that in ancient cultures wisdom was typically seen as being possessed by a god and dispersed to men by an intermediary – a wise man. Although seen by many as a sage or wise man, Jesus not only imparts the wisdom of God, he embodies the wisdom of God (Col. 2:2-3). As noted, the incarnation signals a dramatic shift in the biblical storyline. While the NT affirms the creation order espoused in the OT, the focus is turned to the mystery of God’s purpose as bound in the person of Jesus – the one who redeems creation. “In Christ, God himself has taken on the human role of redemption and blessing previously assigned to Israel and then given it back not just to Israel but also to all the nations and peoples of the world” (259).

Bartholomew & O’Dowd start with an overview of wisdom literature that provides a foundation for understanding and reading wisdom genre and its poetry, and then from that foundation a pointed discussion ensues regarding three prominent works from the Scriptures, and then finishes with an investigation of the deeper theological implications that can be gleaned from the genre for the Christian. An excellent resource for student and teacher alike, and a welcome addition to one’s theological library.

Quotes from the book:

“Genuine wisdom will be found only when we recover God’s design for his world” (16).

“Poetry thus restores the connections between the mind, the nature of being human and our place in nature, connections we badly need restored” (68).

“Everything in our culture tells us to build careers and economic security, but almost nothing tells us to build homes and to nurture a sense of being grounded in a particular place belonging to a particular people” (119).

“The mystery of suffering will always remain, but suffering as a vehicle used by God for transformation is a major clue to what God is doing in such experiences” (165).

“Ecclesiastes is a book of great pastoral relevance today when so many people struggle with the meaninglessness of life. Ecclesiastes affirms that struggle and vividly shows how tough it can be” (206).

“In the New Testament, wisdom and law still point the way to this whole and ordered life, as does the exalted Christ, who models for us the humility, endurance and obedience in death and victory in resurrection” (258).

“The problem, rather, is the human choice for folly rather than wisdom, that is, the problem is sin and positioning ourselves as God rather than worshiping God as creatures. In leading us again and again to that starting point of the fear of the LORD, wisdom offers us the way into a journey of transformative renewal …” (314). ( )

Few Old Testament books are more puzzling than Job and Ecclesiastes. And few books are more frequently misunderstood and misapplied than Proverbs. The Wisdom literature of the Hebrews may be challenging for Western minds to grasp, but it is very rewarding. Craig Bartholomew and Ryan O'Dowd have helped the student of the Bible's Wisdom literature immensely with their new book "Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction", from IVP Academic.

The authors aim to introduce the reader to Wisdom literature and the theology behind it. This is not just a commentary, although they do offer plenty of insights and comments along the way. Rather it is an introduction and orientation after which one will be more prepared to pick up a commentary an study the Wisdom books more closely.

After the author's preface and introduction, the book starts with an introduction to Old Testament Wisdom. They compare Egyptian and Babylonian wisdom writings with that of the Hebrews, showing the similarities and differences. The authors appreciate the insights such comparisons provide but make no apologies for the unique approach that the Bible presents. Rather than a pantheon of gods and contradictory wisdom writings, Israel is presented with the one true God, in whose fear is the only place where wisdom can be found.

Next the book gives a helpful treatment of poetry, it's role in life and the three OT books which are the focus of this work (Job, Ecclesiastes and Proverbs), as well as a discussion of the techniques of Hebrew poetry.

After these introductory chapters, each OT book is discussed as a whole followed by a more in-depth treatment of one special passage - Prov. 31, Job 28, and Eccl. 3:1-15. Next comes a discussion of Jesus as the Wisdom of God, where the New Testament's treatment of Wisdom and its portrayal of Jesus Christ as Wisdom incarnate.

The book ends with a discussion of the theology of OT Wisdom and then an application of how Wisdom is relevant for today.

My copy of this book is filled with dog-eared pages, scribbles and underlined sections. The authors have done a fabulous job of bringing the best research to bear and digging up the most appropriate quotes for each theme they address. They do a masterful job of discrediting the current criticism of OT Wisdom literature that Proverbs focuses strictly on act-consequence and Job and Ecclesiastes offer a counterpoint or crisis where such a simplistic view is shown to be untenable. Bartholomew and O'Dowd argue that Job and Ecclesiastes merely make what's implicit in Proverbs, explicit. The nuances and tension in Proverbs itself finds expression in Job and Ecclesiastes. The character of the righteous life is what is blessed in Proverbs, not righteous actions by themselves. And life on earth never realizes divine justice in full.

Proverbs in all its diversity is carefully handled, and I especially appreciated the emphasis on Lady Wisdom and how the Proverbs 31 woman may be understood as Wisdom personified, in a theological way.

The discussion of Job was most illuminating. The struggle and difficulty one has in trying to read through Job is part of the genius of the book, illustrating the perplexing situation Job found himself in. The diagrams in the chapter on Job are helpful, as most of the diagrams sprinkled throughout this work are. I also appreciated the discussion of Job 28 and it's key role in Job.

Ecclesiastes was similarly handled well. "The Preacher" (or Qohelet) is never expressly said to be Solomon, yet a comparison with Solomon is intended by the author/narrator of Ecclesiastes. The treatment of Ecclesiastes shows how the book traces the intellectual struggle of Qohelet as he struggles with employing Greek wisdom to his world yet knowing the truth that Hebrew wisdom had already taught him. Seeing Ecclesiastes as a struggle with many passages set in "contradictory juxtaposition" with one another, goes a long way in helping one make sense of the book as a whole.

I very much appreciated the discussion of Jesus as the Wisdom of God, it helps to situate OT Wisdom in the redemptive flow of Scripture. The authors resisted a simplistic equation of Jesus and Lady Wisdom, and take pains to show how the authors of the New Testament in their own unique ways appropriated the Wisdom tradition in their exposition of Jesus Christ and his uniquely Divine status and mission.

The final chapters summarizing OT Wisdom theology and it's impact today is an outstanding example of how to apply Scripture to life and not leave the heady study of doctrine and theology on a shelf away from life in the real world.

The tenor and tack of the authors is profoundly evangelical, yet appreciative of the insights gained from all sorts of scholars. One won't agree with all of the conclusions of this book, but the clarity and candor with which the authors present their own view is both commendable and refreshing.

Perhaps the point the authors drive home the most is that OT Wisdom literature is anything but dualistic. It is rooted in creation theology and offers us a way to live in God's world appreciating all of life. I will close with a summary quote which encapsulates the primary message of the OT Wisdom books.

"At the heart of the distinction between folly and wisdom is one's relation to the creation: does one receive it with joy and wonder as the Lord's gift, or does one make onself the center around which one relates to the world? The classic term for the latter approach is idolatry." (pg. 316)

I came away from my study of OT Wisdom literature reflecting on the hold idolatry may have in my life. A study of the OT Wisdom books may be just the thing to encourage us to live all of life to God's glory. Such a study would be greatly helped along by using this book from Bartholomew and O'Dowd as a text-book or study tool. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by InterVarsity Press for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review. ( )