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Definition:
The label Wisdom Literature is applied to a particular genre found in the Old
Testament. Usually the books of Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes are included in
this genre. Some scholars also add in Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) and the Wisdom of
Solomon, two apocryphal works.
These books are separated into their own genre because they are alien to the rest of the material in the Old Testament. They lack discussions about the promises to the patriarchs, the covenant with God, the central purpose of Jerusalem, etc. These book describe an almost humanistic perspective on knowledge, humanity and community. Sometimes wisdom was identified with "intelligence," but more often it was portrayed as a particular tradition within Judaism - either one received directly from God or one developed through education.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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