Wisdom: The Good Life: Wisdom Literature and the Rule of Benedict

by Irene Nowell, John Klassen (Foreword)

We all want to live well, but how can we put that desire into action? With thoughtful reflection on the biblical wisdom writers and the Rule of Benedict, Irene Nowell shows us how we too can live the good life. Each chapter includes reflection questions and meditative prayers, guiding us on a renewed journey toward wisdom and encouraging us to embody this wisdom more in our daily lives.

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2017

About the author

Irene Nowell, OSB, of the Benedictine community of Mount Saint Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas, is a member of the translation team of the revised Old Testament of the New American Bible. She teaches Scripture courses at Saint John’s School of Theology•Seminary, Collegeville, Minnesota. Nowell is a member of the Committee on Illuminations and Texts for The Saint John’s Bible and a past president of the Catholic Biblical Association. She is author of Jonah, Tobit, Judith in the Collegeville Bible Commentary; Sing a New Song: The Psalms in the Sunday Lectionary; and Women in the Old Testament, all published by Liturgical Press.

Reviews

[Judith Valente · Rating 5 out of 5]

If truth be told, I would read a grocery list written by the great Scripture scholar and Benedictine sister Irene Nowell. This book delves into the "wisdom books" of the Old Testament, the Psalms and prophets, to show how they underscore The Rule of St. Benedict and what their insights can show those of us in 21rst century about living "the good life," (which is what we all seek, isn't it?). When thumbed through chapters, with titles such as "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People: The Mystery of Suffering;" Wisdom In the Daily: Relationships and Reconciliation;" and "Listening: The Way To Wisdom," I had to read on. I wasn't disappointed.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new perspective for me on the Rule. Lots of parallels with scripture - Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes - finely done by the author, a Benedictine sister and also an Old Testament scholar.

[Nick Ertz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid survey of how the Wisdom literature and the Rule of St Benedict contribute to the good life. The book is built for contemplation and reflection and will be worth another reading.