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Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction
The books of Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are rooted in the order created by the one true God. Their steady gaze penetrates to the very nature of created reality and leads us toward peace and human flourishing. Craig Bartholomew and Ryan O'Dowd tune our ears to hear once again Lady Wisdom calling in the streets. Old Testament Wisdom Literature provides an informed introduction to the Old Testament wisdom books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. Establishing the books in the context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions and literature, the authors move beyond the scope of typical introductions to discuss the theological and hermeneutical implications of this literature.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 27, 2011
22 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Craig G. Bartholomew
77 books53 followersCraig G. Bartholomew (PhD, University of Bristol) is the H. Evan Runner Professor of Philosophy at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, and the principal of the Paideia Centre for Public Theology. He founded the internationally recognized Scripture and Hermeneutics seminar and is coauthor of Living at the Crossroads and Christian Philosophy.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 20, 2023
Even as a layperson, I found this refreshingly readable (although some of the technical translation parts went over my head). Bartholomew and O'Dowd have done a great job making what they have to explain accessible and applicable. A textbook, it did not read as a dry textbook, but was very engaging and carried this reader along.
Definitely recommended. I learned a lot about reading scripture, in particular Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs.
Definitely recommended. I learned a lot about reading scripture, in particular Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs.
May 15, 2018
This book exceeded the expectations I had when I picked it up. Not that I imagined it wouldn’t be a good volume, but that it would just be another introduction to the poetic sections of the Old Testament. What I found instead was a look at only those poetic books that could legitimately be called wisdom literature – Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The unique contributions of those three books, as well as wisdom in the Old Testament as a whole, the ANE background, how Jesus both carried on and fulfilled Old Testament wisdom, plus all the theological implications of wisdom, are found in this well-written book.
The book begins with an introduction that explains why the subject of Old Testament wisdom is important. Chapter 1 introduces Old Testament wisdom itself including its historical background. Chapter 2 tackles the ancient world wisdom. I often think those discussions are overblown by scholars because they always mistakenly assume the Bible draws from other sources rather than the other way around, but the scholarly review is still well done here. Chapter 3 ties wisdom into the genre of poetry in the Bible and explains a lot of technical aspects of parallelism and other devices of poetry.
When the book reaches chapter 4, in my opinion, it really blossoms. The chapter on Proverbs that reviews structure and design, and how wisdom is essential to it, makes for revealing reading. I loved it. Chapter 5 is a continuation as it looks at what the authors call “Lady Wisdom” and “Dame Folly”. These two chapters together really added something to my understanding.
Chapter 6 on Job was just as provocative. They dug in with so many wonderful thoughts that would help someone who was diving into the book of Job. Chapter 7 probes the scholarly debate over Job 28. I personally don’t see the problem that many scholars do, but it’s well explained here. Though it is likely just a matter of personal taste, I didn’t get as much out of the discussion on Ecclesiastes as I did on Proverbs and Job. I disagreed with both some presuppositions as well as some conclusions. Still, there were nuggets to find.
Chapter 10 took us to Jesus as the Wisdom of God. Wisdom as a controlling focus in the New Testament is not one I can accept to the degree that some people do, yet it’s equally true that wisdom has not vanished from the discussion when we enter the New Testament. You can do your own weighing of the subject in this chapter. The final two chapters are about theology. There’s much to gain as you read these two chapters, plus they give some guidance on how our Western eyes often miss the point.
Bartholomew and O’Dowd really pulled off the production of a good book here. It’s my new favorite introduction to Old Testament wisdom literature.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The book begins with an introduction that explains why the subject of Old Testament wisdom is important. Chapter 1 introduces Old Testament wisdom itself including its historical background. Chapter 2 tackles the ancient world wisdom. I often think those discussions are overblown by scholars because they always mistakenly assume the Bible draws from other sources rather than the other way around, but the scholarly review is still well done here. Chapter 3 ties wisdom into the genre of poetry in the Bible and explains a lot of technical aspects of parallelism and other devices of poetry.
When the book reaches chapter 4, in my opinion, it really blossoms. The chapter on Proverbs that reviews structure and design, and how wisdom is essential to it, makes for revealing reading. I loved it. Chapter 5 is a continuation as it looks at what the authors call “Lady Wisdom” and “Dame Folly”. These two chapters together really added something to my understanding.
Chapter 6 on Job was just as provocative. They dug in with so many wonderful thoughts that would help someone who was diving into the book of Job. Chapter 7 probes the scholarly debate over Job 28. I personally don’t see the problem that many scholars do, but it’s well explained here. Though it is likely just a matter of personal taste, I didn’t get as much out of the discussion on Ecclesiastes as I did on Proverbs and Job. I disagreed with both some presuppositions as well as some conclusions. Still, there were nuggets to find.
Chapter 10 took us to Jesus as the Wisdom of God. Wisdom as a controlling focus in the New Testament is not one I can accept to the degree that some people do, yet it’s equally true that wisdom has not vanished from the discussion when we enter the New Testament. You can do your own weighing of the subject in this chapter. The final two chapters are about theology. There’s much to gain as you read these two chapters, plus they give some guidance on how our Western eyes often miss the point.
Bartholomew and O’Dowd really pulled off the production of a good book here. It’s my new favorite introduction to Old Testament wisdom literature.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 23, 2020
It was one of the better ones in this type of book's!
October 31, 2012
This book may be divided into three sections. The first three chapters locate wisdom literature in its ancient context, the last three chapters connect the wisdom literature to Christ, to biblical theology, and to the present. The central section of the book examines the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. Each book receives an overview followed by a study of a specific chapter (Prov. 31, Job 28, and Ecc. 3).
The most helpful features of this book are:
-The effort to distinguish OT wisdom from ANE wisdom (while still recognizing the cultural similarities between the two). This is important because of the claims of OT wisdom itself that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
-Discussions about how the wisdom books relate to each other (e.g., how Proverbs functions alongside Job and Ecclesiastes) and in the broader canon.
-Illuminating chapters on the book of Proverbs and Job 28.
In terms of understanding the particular books, I found the chapter on Proverbs to be excellent. The chapter on Ecclesiastes is headed in the right direction, but I don't think the tensions between the hebel and carpe diem passages are as great or as unresolved as Bartholomew believes them to be. The chapter on Job seemed off the mark in a number of areas (including the role of Elihu).
Overall, when Bartholomew and O'Dowd were on the mark, they were very helpful.
The most helpful features of this book are:
-The effort to distinguish OT wisdom from ANE wisdom (while still recognizing the cultural similarities between the two). This is important because of the claims of OT wisdom itself that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
-Discussions about how the wisdom books relate to each other (e.g., how Proverbs functions alongside Job and Ecclesiastes) and in the broader canon.
-Illuminating chapters on the book of Proverbs and Job 28.
In terms of understanding the particular books, I found the chapter on Proverbs to be excellent. The chapter on Ecclesiastes is headed in the right direction, but I don't think the tensions between the hebel and carpe diem passages are as great or as unresolved as Bartholomew believes them to be. The chapter on Job seemed off the mark in a number of areas (including the role of Elihu).
Overall, when Bartholomew and O'Dowd were on the mark, they were very helpful.
May 10, 2017
Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction by Craig G. Bartholomew and Ryan P. O’Dowd is a clear and accessible introduction to wisdom literature with a unique focus upon the theological contribution of the Old Testament books. The goal of the book is to open a conversation amongst readers towards an embrace and embodiment of the theology of the Old Testament wisdom literature today (p. 16). This is accomplished through rigorous engagement with the biblical text and interaction with both ancient and modern scholarship.
Bartholomew and O’Dowd divide the focus of the book into three sections. Chapters 1-3 are an establishment of the context for the book, including an introduction to wisdom literature as wisdom, a survey of the world of ancient (i.e. Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, etc.), and the genre of poetry. These three chapters do well to achieve what they set out to accomplish, and everything else is captured in the recommended readings at the end of each chapter. Chapters 4-9 comprise the heart of the book and walk the reader through Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, offering a theological interpretation of each book, an overview of the reception of each book, and interaction with the biblical text throughout. Chapters 9-12 move the discussion towards a more fuller theology of the wisdom literature for today and examine the use of wisdom and wisdom literature in the New Testament.
There is much to be praised about this volume. First, and probably foremost, Bartholomew and O’Dowd do an excellent job establishing the books in the ancient Near Eastern context. This allows the scope of the book to move beyond a typical introduction as the theological and hermeneutical considerations are developed. Second, each chapter concludes with a curated “recommended reading” section. This makes the book perfect for interested readers looking to adventure out on topics. That said, there are also several resources I anticipated to find as recommended reads, and when I looked I came up with nothing. Of course, this is minor in the scope of what Bartholomew and O’Dowd have accomplished. Lastly, while the wisdom literature of the Old Testament typically moves beyond the books explicitly covered in the volume, the introduction to wisdom and the ensuing literature does well to orient the reader with the necessary tools to accomplish the task of interpretation.
Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction by Craig G. Bartholomew and Ryan P. O’Dowd is a clear and accessible introduction to wisdom literature with a unique focus upon the theological contribution of the Old Testament books. It is well situated for a classroom and even better situated for the interested reader. Those looking for a solid introduction to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament that will pay dividends in the end, will do well to consult Bartholomew and O’Dowd.
Bartholomew and O’Dowd divide the focus of the book into three sections. Chapters 1-3 are an establishment of the context for the book, including an introduction to wisdom literature as wisdom, a survey of the world of ancient (i.e. Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, etc.), and the genre of poetry. These three chapters do well to achieve what they set out to accomplish, and everything else is captured in the recommended readings at the end of each chapter. Chapters 4-9 comprise the heart of the book and walk the reader through Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, offering a theological interpretation of each book, an overview of the reception of each book, and interaction with the biblical text throughout. Chapters 9-12 move the discussion towards a more fuller theology of the wisdom literature for today and examine the use of wisdom and wisdom literature in the New Testament.
There is much to be praised about this volume. First, and probably foremost, Bartholomew and O’Dowd do an excellent job establishing the books in the ancient Near Eastern context. This allows the scope of the book to move beyond a typical introduction as the theological and hermeneutical considerations are developed. Second, each chapter concludes with a curated “recommended reading” section. This makes the book perfect for interested readers looking to adventure out on topics. That said, there are also several resources I anticipated to find as recommended reads, and when I looked I came up with nothing. Of course, this is minor in the scope of what Bartholomew and O’Dowd have accomplished. Lastly, while the wisdom literature of the Old Testament typically moves beyond the books explicitly covered in the volume, the introduction to wisdom and the ensuing literature does well to orient the reader with the necessary tools to accomplish the task of interpretation.
Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction by Craig G. Bartholomew and Ryan P. O’Dowd is a clear and accessible introduction to wisdom literature with a unique focus upon the theological contribution of the Old Testament books. It is well situated for a classroom and even better situated for the interested reader. Those looking for a solid introduction to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament that will pay dividends in the end, will do well to consult Bartholomew and O’Dowd.
June 5, 2018
You can read the fuller review at SpoiledMilks (6/5/18).
Many 21st century Westerners have lost the wonder of creation. Christians are saved through the blood of christ, what do we need to understand about the world? What does the Bible have to say about wisdom? Can pithy poetics really form character? In their new book Old Testament Wisdom Literature, Craig Bartholomew and Ryan O'Dowd present a theological introduction to the Bible's wisdom books—Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. How can one expect to find wisdom, and how can 21st century Christians apply 3,000-year-old Old Testament wisdom to their lives?
Summary
Chapters 1-3 bring us into (1) Israel's understanding of wisdom, (2) their neighbors' understanding of wisdom, and (3) a plea for poetry, which "gives us a nuanced understanding of people, language and culture" (51).
At 160 pages, Chapters 4-9 make up the core of the book. The authors spend two chapters on each of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. In the first chapter on each book, rather than rehearsing the main gist of each book, they describe the book's theological function. Each book's second chapter ("Chapter B" as I call it) explores a particular theme in that book.
Sometimes the text's form is just as important as what it says. The proverbs in Proverbs 10-30 come to us at random, just as these instances occur within life. Job and Ecclesiastes "focus on profound experiences of apparent contradictions to the character-consequence theme," which deepen our faith and our wisdom and form our character (285). The authors note, "Ecclesiastes is performatively enigmatic, just like suffering, and Job is long, at times tedious, with all those speeches, just like suffering" (318).
Ecclesiastes "ultimately affirms life and joy... but only as the end result of a ferocious struggle with the brokenness of life" (189). Job presents bodily suffering; Ecclesiastes presents mental anguish. It's not enough to have a high IQ. Job had money. Qohelet asked difficult philosophical questions. But wisdom requires us to admit our finite creatureliness before the infinite Creator. We, like the woman in Proverbs 31, can embody wisdom and image God.
Chapters 10 looks at wisdom in the NT, chapter 11 gives an OT theology of wisdom and chapter 12 applies wisdom to our present life concerning education, politics, spirituality, the ordinary, and the dark night of the soul.
Recommended?
I greatly appreciated Bartholomew and O'Dowd's theological interpretation. The authors look at the meaning of the texts and what is really going on. Teacher and pastors would do well to read this book. Hopefully more people will grasp the importance of these important, often ignored Old Testament books.
Disclosure: I received these books free from IVP Academic. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Many 21st century Westerners have lost the wonder of creation. Christians are saved through the blood of christ, what do we need to understand about the world? What does the Bible have to say about wisdom? Can pithy poetics really form character? In their new book Old Testament Wisdom Literature, Craig Bartholomew and Ryan O'Dowd present a theological introduction to the Bible's wisdom books—Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. How can one expect to find wisdom, and how can 21st century Christians apply 3,000-year-old Old Testament wisdom to their lives?
Summary
Chapters 1-3 bring us into (1) Israel's understanding of wisdom, (2) their neighbors' understanding of wisdom, and (3) a plea for poetry, which "gives us a nuanced understanding of people, language and culture" (51).
At 160 pages, Chapters 4-9 make up the core of the book. The authors spend two chapters on each of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. In the first chapter on each book, rather than rehearsing the main gist of each book, they describe the book's theological function. Each book's second chapter ("Chapter B" as I call it) explores a particular theme in that book.
Sometimes the text's form is just as important as what it says. The proverbs in Proverbs 10-30 come to us at random, just as these instances occur within life. Job and Ecclesiastes "focus on profound experiences of apparent contradictions to the character-consequence theme," which deepen our faith and our wisdom and form our character (285). The authors note, "Ecclesiastes is performatively enigmatic, just like suffering, and Job is long, at times tedious, with all those speeches, just like suffering" (318).
Ecclesiastes "ultimately affirms life and joy... but only as the end result of a ferocious struggle with the brokenness of life" (189). Job presents bodily suffering; Ecclesiastes presents mental anguish. It's not enough to have a high IQ. Job had money. Qohelet asked difficult philosophical questions. But wisdom requires us to admit our finite creatureliness before the infinite Creator. We, like the woman in Proverbs 31, can embody wisdom and image God.
Chapters 10 looks at wisdom in the NT, chapter 11 gives an OT theology of wisdom and chapter 12 applies wisdom to our present life concerning education, politics, spirituality, the ordinary, and the dark night of the soul.
Recommended?
I greatly appreciated Bartholomew and O'Dowd's theological interpretation. The authors look at the meaning of the texts and what is really going on. Teacher and pastors would do well to read this book. Hopefully more people will grasp the importance of these important, often ignored Old Testament books.
Disclosure: I received these books free from IVP Academic. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
September 15, 2011
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.
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.
April 2, 2024
This book did its job. It without a doubt got my mind rolling on the complexity and beauty of wisdom literature. I now do not see Proverbs and Psalms as a collection of ideals that can never be brought into fruition, nor do I see Ecclesiastics and Job as brutal treatises on a world with sin that should lead us to desire death. I do notice however, the absence of Songs of Solomon from the discussion, which seems to fit right in this range, but I am not sure where or how. The appeal to add wisdom back to our intellectual life is also encouraging as is the call to create more Christian universities, but I also cringe at some of the implications. Do we teach creationism and hold fast to our view of Original Sin, or do we acknowledge the scientific study on biology? Perhaps the answer requires wisdom.
March 31, 2021
(3.5 stars)
Oftentimes this book is really good and insightful, especially when dealing with Proverbs. The constant refutation of gnosticism, strong affirmation of Creation, and their epistemological understanding of the fear of the Lord were all fantastic and thought provoking. I am glad I read the book for those parts. At other times, it is merely ok, or even underwhelming, particularly the parts dealing with natural law. It is also a dual authored book, and those can never be great because of the diminishment in style required for two authors to write a book.
The weaknesses in this book around natural law and wisdom are the same as the criticisms which can be leveled against worldview thinking. Since Bartholomew has written a book on worldview, these similarities shouldn't be surprising.
Overall, it was a helpful read in a lot of areas, even if I didn't always agree. I am glad I read it, and I gained a fair amount of understanding about wisdom literature.
Oftentimes this book is really good and insightful, especially when dealing with Proverbs. The constant refutation of gnosticism, strong affirmation of Creation, and their epistemological understanding of the fear of the Lord were all fantastic and thought provoking. I am glad I read the book for those parts. At other times, it is merely ok, or even underwhelming, particularly the parts dealing with natural law. It is also a dual authored book, and those can never be great because of the diminishment in style required for two authors to write a book.
The weaknesses in this book around natural law and wisdom are the same as the criticisms which can be leveled against worldview thinking. Since Bartholomew has written a book on worldview, these similarities shouldn't be surprising.
Overall, it was a helpful read in a lot of areas, even if I didn't always agree. I am glad I read it, and I gained a fair amount of understanding about wisdom literature.
March 2, 2022
Overall a helpful introduction, with both the strengths and weaknesses of the "theological interpretation of Scripture" school. Best on the harmony of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes (versus readings that pit them against one another), weakest on cultural ramifications of their proposed reading (wisdom and politics, etc.).
August 11, 2025
Not sure if this book is exegesis or poetry. Either way the authors are expert at guiding the reader down the very artful path of discovering wisdom that teaches us to live in God’s ordered world and wisdom that teaches us how to live faithfully when the world seems anything but ordered. Wholeheartedly recommended.
August 20, 2022
This was more helpful than I thought it would be. Bartholomew develops a biblical/practical theology of wisdom literature solidly rooted in the text. I would have appreciated a broader approach to practical application, and he seemed a bit over fond of his aesthetic though.
August 4, 2017
A good textbook used for my OT Studies
October 25, 2018
Helpful book, especially if you are doing an overview of this portion of OT.
April 5, 2019
Went through this extremely fast in one day to study for a test. From what I saw it was good
November 20, 2020
Really good. Great introduction to wiz lit!
March 1, 2023
Absolutely magnificent.
March 2, 2023
Decent introduction to OT Wisdom literature. Didn't knock me out of the park. I thought they could've done more on Lady Wisdom as a type of Christ.
August 17, 2023
So very readable and deep. I will be coming back to this book often for insights.
April 22, 2024
Quite the “introduction!” Historically honest while also deeply rooted in faith with the addition of helpful application, especially toward the end.
June 8, 2012
I used this as textbook for a second/third year college course I recently taught on Job and Proverbs. It was well received and appreciated by almost all of my students. I would use it again without hesitation. Bartholomew and O'Dowd do an excellent job situating Israel's wisdom books within Israel's wisdom tradition and the broader wisdom tradition of the ancient Near East, presenting the best of contemporary research in a very accessible and readable package.
December 10, 2012
An excellent introduction to the Wisdom Literature. It is both academically rigorous and pastorally minded.
October 6, 2016
Definitely recommend.
September 14, 2021
Excellent, thought-provoking and filled with great insights. Bartholomew goes deep into the subject while remaining coherent and practical. A great read for any teacher or student of Scripture.
November 29, 2018
For a text book, this is good.
May 2, 2014
Seriously one of the coolest books I have ever read.
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