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Crucial Questions
What Is Biblical Wisdom?
Wisdom isn’t something only needed by the foolish and immature. All of us are called to grow in wisdom, for true wisdom has to do with pleasing the God who made us.
In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul introduces the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. He shows that wisdom goes hand in hand with being godly, and he demonstrates the Bible’s practical guidelines for a well-lived life that honors the Lord.
The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.
In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul introduces the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. He shows that wisdom goes hand in hand with being godly, and he demonstrates the Bible’s practical guidelines for a well-lived life that honors the Lord.
The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2020
169 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
610 books1,971 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 3, 2022
such a short and lovely read. a great way to start the new year is being reminded by God’s wisdom. here are a few quotes that were filled with truth:
“If we want to acquire actual wisdom, the absolute, essential starting point at which we begin and continue that quest is in a posture of reverence and adoration for God.”
“Humanity has tamed its universe—we can go to the moon, cure diseases, and build powerful computers—but we can’t tame the impulses of our own hearts. We have acquired knowledge, but we lack wisdom. ”
“True prayer comes from the heart. It’s not just an expression of phrases or carefully devised sentences. Prayer is a tender moment of a soul speaking to God directly.”
“If we want wisdom, this is a fountain from which to drink. It has untold riches for our consumption and edification, and he who is hungry will eat of these morsels. He who is foolish will not.”
“According to the Bible, to be called a fool is to be deemed irreligious and godless. ” (personally, this was an excellent clarification)
& many more. although this book was short, i have learned so much. sproul communicates his thoughts beautifully and effortlessly. truly a great read
“If we want to acquire actual wisdom, the absolute, essential starting point at which we begin and continue that quest is in a posture of reverence and adoration for God.”
“Humanity has tamed its universe—we can go to the moon, cure diseases, and build powerful computers—but we can’t tame the impulses of our own hearts. We have acquired knowledge, but we lack wisdom. ”
“True prayer comes from the heart. It’s not just an expression of phrases or carefully devised sentences. Prayer is a tender moment of a soul speaking to God directly.”
“If we want wisdom, this is a fountain from which to drink. It has untold riches for our consumption and edification, and he who is hungry will eat of these morsels. He who is foolish will not.”
“According to the Bible, to be called a fool is to be deemed irreligious and godless. ” (personally, this was an excellent clarification)
& many more. although this book was short, i have learned so much. sproul communicates his thoughts beautifully and effortlessly. truly a great read
June 27, 2023
Some great truths in here! 4.5 stars though because his interpretation of Song of Solomon is not one that I would necessarily agree with.
October 16, 2023
Short, concise and insightful.
March 3, 2022
Love RC Sproul. Was surprised at how short the book is!
August 16, 2021
This is one of the newest books in R.C. Sproul’s Crucial Questions series, all of which are free in the digital edition. These books/booklets offer clear answers to the most common and difficult questions about the Christian faith.
Dr. Sproul tells us that when we speak of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament, we’re referring to the group of books that includes Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Job. He writes that Wisdom Literature teaches that we can possess knowledge yet never have wisdom. However, the reverse is not the case—we cannot have wisdom without knowledge.
Sproul tells us that there can be no real human wisdom until we first know the character of God. How can we know how to live in a way that pleases God if we don’t know the God we’re trying to please? Wisdom Literature is given to instruct us in living lives that are pleasing to God.
He goes over three types of parallelism:
• Synonymous parallelism. This is seen when the same idea is expressed in two consecutive lines, but the wording is different. In other words, the writer uses different words to say the same thing.
• Antithetical parallelism occurs when statements are made together but are in direct contrast with each other.
• Synthetic parallelism contains a buildup from one level to the next.
Below are some thoughts from Sproul about the books that make up Wisdom Literature:
The Psalms
The book of Psalms gives us undiluted worship—worship that we know is pleasing to God because it comes to us from His wisdom and from His own inspiration. We look to the book of Psalms as our model of wisdom in prayer.
Proverbs
The book of Proverbs is a depository of treasure with all kinds of applications for daily life. It contains concrete pieces of advice that come from the mind of God Himself.
Ecclesiastes, Job, and the Song of Solomon.
In Ecclesiastes we see an early form of apologetics in the answers to the existential questions raised by skeptics and enemies of the Christian faith. If you want to know what real love is, spend some time in the Song of Solomon. It is a magnificent expression of romantic love. What we find in Job is a lengthy, protracted drama set in patriarchal times. If ever there were such a thing as a morality play, the book of Job would certainly qualify, because there is a moral to this story.
"What is Biblical Wisdom?" is a good introduction to the Wisdom Literature of the Bible.
Dr. Sproul tells us that when we speak of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament, we’re referring to the group of books that includes Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Job. He writes that Wisdom Literature teaches that we can possess knowledge yet never have wisdom. However, the reverse is not the case—we cannot have wisdom without knowledge.
Sproul tells us that there can be no real human wisdom until we first know the character of God. How can we know how to live in a way that pleases God if we don’t know the God we’re trying to please? Wisdom Literature is given to instruct us in living lives that are pleasing to God.
He goes over three types of parallelism:
• Synonymous parallelism. This is seen when the same idea is expressed in two consecutive lines, but the wording is different. In other words, the writer uses different words to say the same thing.
• Antithetical parallelism occurs when statements are made together but are in direct contrast with each other.
• Synthetic parallelism contains a buildup from one level to the next.
Below are some thoughts from Sproul about the books that make up Wisdom Literature:
The Psalms
The book of Psalms gives us undiluted worship—worship that we know is pleasing to God because it comes to us from His wisdom and from His own inspiration. We look to the book of Psalms as our model of wisdom in prayer.
Proverbs
The book of Proverbs is a depository of treasure with all kinds of applications for daily life. It contains concrete pieces of advice that come from the mind of God Himself.
Ecclesiastes, Job, and the Song of Solomon.
In Ecclesiastes we see an early form of apologetics in the answers to the existential questions raised by skeptics and enemies of the Christian faith. If you want to know what real love is, spend some time in the Song of Solomon. It is a magnificent expression of romantic love. What we find in Job is a lengthy, protracted drama set in patriarchal times. If ever there were such a thing as a morality play, the book of Job would certainly qualify, because there is a moral to this story.
"What is Biblical Wisdom?" is a good introduction to the Wisdom Literature of the Bible.
April 4, 2024
Having heard of the Crucial Questions series by R.C. Sproul, I am grateful that I got to read his text on biblical wisdom where he takes readers through the wisdom literature of the Bible. Starting with an overarching view of wisdom and its meaning and role within the realm of philosophy, Sproul dives into each type of wisdom book in further detail. What I loved most in this succinct volume is that the author offers some keys to better understanding scripture and how we can interpret the wisdom books through knowing the literary devices and cultural context of the time the books were written.
Since this series is meant to be accessible and a good jumping-off point for further study, they are well-geared toward anyone curious about the 38 topics presented or someone who simply wants a refresher on specific themes. In this case, Sproul not only points to how we can grow in wisdom in Christ alone, but also shares practical, real-life examples of biblical application. Readers will enjoy the breakdown of the wisdom books of the Bible and how the information is logically laid out in a way that makes the content easy to grasp.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Since this series is meant to be accessible and a good jumping-off point for further study, they are well-geared toward anyone curious about the 38 topics presented or someone who simply wants a refresher on specific themes. In this case, Sproul not only points to how we can grow in wisdom in Christ alone, but also shares practical, real-life examples of biblical application. Readers will enjoy the breakdown of the wisdom books of the Bible and how the information is logically laid out in a way that makes the content easy to grasp.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
April 16, 2022
In today’s world, everybody has access to almost limitless knowledge. But knowledge is not wisdom. And though many cultures have compiled lists of proverbs and sayings of wisdom, that doesn’t mean it’s biblical wisdom. Take a look at the group of books in the Bible known as the Wisdom Literature with R.C. Sproul. As he looks at what wisdom really is, where it comes from, and the variety of wisdom found in different books of the Bible, it becomes clear that true wisdom is from God. If you’re a new Christian who wants to learn wisdom or an old hat who needs a refresher, this is a short, easy read that will point you in the direction of God’s Word along with a snippet of the types of wisdom you will find there.
September 1, 2020
Short, sweet, biblical
An easy yet revealing read on the wisdom of God summed up in the “wisdom literature” section of the Bible. Sproul touches on the Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon and Job. He briefly mentions Ecclesiastes which is a part of this canon. Learned a lot from just 50 pages. I’m a lot more motivated now to turn to these books when I’m in need of wisdom.
An easy yet revealing read on the wisdom of God summed up in the “wisdom literature” section of the Bible. Sproul touches on the Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon and Job. He briefly mentions Ecclesiastes which is a part of this canon. Learned a lot from just 50 pages. I’m a lot more motivated now to turn to these books when I’m in need of wisdom.
February 2, 2023
Just ok.
This book doesn't give or exegete Biblical Wisdom but tells you where to find it. Sproul gives short summaries of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament and the value of it. Psalms and Proverbs get their own chapters, but he squishes Ecclesiastes, Job and Song of Solomon together. Quick and easy read.
This book doesn't give or exegete Biblical Wisdom but tells you where to find it. Sproul gives short summaries of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament and the value of it. Psalms and Proverbs get their own chapters, but he squishes Ecclesiastes, Job and Song of Solomon together. Quick and easy read.
October 23, 2020
Philosophy
People search for wisdom, thats why many philosophy arise through the ages. But here we have a lot of wisdom in the Bible. This book not answering the difficulties in reading the Bible, but trying to explained the examples of paradoxes.
People search for wisdom, thats why many philosophy arise through the ages. But here we have a lot of wisdom in the Bible. This book not answering the difficulties in reading the Bible, but trying to explained the examples of paradoxes.
May 22, 2021
Such a great content for free 'purchased' at a $0.00 from Amazon that people must read.
«We say sometimes that experience is the best teacher, but that’s not the best source of wisdom. The best source of wisdom is the mind of God...»
«We say sometimes that experience is the best teacher, but that’s not the best source of wisdom. The best source of wisdom is the mind of God...»
January 8, 2022
To the point
I love these crucial questions series. They are short hut to the point and contain lots of valuable insights. I recommend this read to anyone. Biblical wisdom is crucial and thank God for including Wisdom Literature in His Holy Book!
I love these crucial questions series. They are short hut to the point and contain lots of valuable insights. I recommend this read to anyone. Biblical wisdom is crucial and thank God for including Wisdom Literature in His Holy Book!
June 13, 2022
misleading title
It is an overview of the wisdom literature in Scripture. It does not give an adequate treatment of what wisdom is. Unfortunately I am still left with precise definitions from secular literature as opposed to a good theological explication of wisdom.
It is an overview of the wisdom literature in Scripture. It does not give an adequate treatment of what wisdom is. Unfortunately I am still left with precise definitions from secular literature as opposed to a good theological explication of wisdom.
January 18, 2021
Great intro to the Psalms and other wisdom books in the Bible
A very good introduction to the Wisdom
Literatures in the Bible.
wisdom for life can be found indeed in God's Word
A very good introduction to the Wisdom
Literatures in the Bible.
wisdom for life can be found indeed in God's Word
November 24, 2021
Maybe 3.5 stars - not as good as his others books in the beginning, but the end was very good...
February 8, 2022
"...philosophy is “the love of wisdom.” p. 2
"Socrates was convinced that proper conduct, or right living, is intimately connected with right knowledge." p.3
Sproul gives his opinions on wisdom.
"Socrates was convinced that proper conduct, or right living, is intimately connected with right knowledge." p.3
Sproul gives his opinions on wisdom.
August 1, 2022
Important E position on What Wisdom is
This book outlines, what true wisdom is, as defined in the Bible. It is short and quick to read and further explains on how to get wisdom.
This book outlines, what true wisdom is, as defined in the Bible. It is short and quick to read and further explains on how to get wisdom.
March 10, 2024
Wisdom that Leads
A short read on the importance of Biblical Wisdom in our lives that accompanies a victorious life if we apply the words of wisdom
A short read on the importance of Biblical Wisdom in our lives that accompanies a victorious life if we apply the words of wisdom
April 3, 2024
Wisdom at its best
Such a well written book. Easy to read and a wealth of information. A great gift to give to someone.
Such a well written book. Easy to read and a wealth of information. A great gift to give to someone.
September 24, 2024
This is a great little book to assist you with your understanding of wisdom literature
March 14, 2023
This book caused me to think more on wisdom, and what determines wisdom.
January 7, 2025
This was an excellent Godly book! Good hindsight in scripture, good concise read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews