(Part 1)

JBTM Daniel I. Block
78
Practical Counsel on Preaching from First Testament Wisdom Texts
Having explored the nature and goals of Israelite wisdom literature, I conclude this
essay with some practical tips on preaching from these parts of the First Testament.
First, select a text that is coherent in its structure and its development of a theme. Like
most of the Scriptures, for the most part, the wisdom texts were written to be read as entire
compositions. However, an expository series will usually seek to work through the texts
one pericope at a time.
Second, observe the literary contexts in which the texts occur, and interpret them
within that context. The only place where this might be of less significance is in sections of
Proverbs 10–24, where a topical approach may be justified. 10
Third, pay close attention to the poetic features of the text, including the use of
parallelism, figures of speech, humor, etc. Delight in the literary artistry and creativity of
the author. Let yourself be entertained by the texts, and invite your audience to enjoy them.
Fourth, observe the literary form, reflect on the basis (authority) of the statement, and
identify the purpose of the text: instruction, reflection, admonition, or entertainment.
Fifth, note the rhetorical devices employed by the speaker/author. What strategies are
used to encourage the reader/pupil to be wise?
Sixth, note whether the statement is intended by the author as reflective of normative
First Testament theology, or is the sage challenging facile and simplistic approaches to life.
The pictures of life presented by Proverbs (which assumes the order in the universe and
assumes that happiness within that order is achievable) and Qoheleth (which expresses
intense frustration with the elusiveness of happiness) are quite different.
Seventh, compare the style, forms, and values of biblical wisdom texts with extra-biblical
analogues. Introduce your congregation to these extra-biblical texts. The Scriptures were
not written in a cultural vacuum. Access to extra-biblical analogues hels us understand why
the texts were written the way they were written.
Eighth, interpret biblical wisdom in the light of its fundamental theological tenets: (a)
the fear of YHWH is the first principle of wisdom; (b) observation of the universe and human
experience yields knowledge that is true and lessons that must be applied in daily life;
(c) The universe is fundamentally ordered, and the wise person will get in step with that
order. When we preach First Testament wisdom texts it is liberating to know that all truth
is God’s truth. While the sages may rely heavily on personal observation and experience
Press, 1985).
10
However, for a recent attempt at interpreting these sayings in context see Knut Heim, Like Grapes
of Gold Set in Silver: An Interpretation of Proverbial Clusters in Proverbs 10:1–22:16 (BZAW 273; Berlin: de
Gruyter, 2001).