What is Wisdom Literature?
The genre of a book influences how you read it
Imagine a trip to the library—what section do you gravitate towards?
Last time, we looked at the essential role wisdom plays in following Jesus and the value of Proverbs for us today as we seek to follow him. This time, we are shifting our attention to better understanding how to read Proverbs by looking at its genre.
Get ready for a trip to the library!
A trip to the library
In order to find wisdom, we must begin at the right starting point. Understanding the genre and intended audience for the book of Proverbs is a necessary first step in this quest.
Go to your local library and browse the racks. Imagine how a mislabelled and misplaced book in the library might lead to misinterpretation and misuse. Find a book of poetry and see what happens when you attempt to interpret it literally.
Test Yourself
Answer
Think about it:
Have you ever misunderstood a book or some other form of media because you were unaware of its genre?