(Part 1)

JBTM 79
for their conclusions, when interpreted through the filter of faith, the results will always
square with divinely revealed truth. Contrary to what many scholars do, it is a mistake to
interpret Israelite wisdom texts in isolation form the record of divine revelation, whether
that revelation came in the form of YHWH’s magnificent saving acts (as at the exodus) or
in the form of propositional truth (as revealed at Sinai or through his inspired prophets).
Anyone who disconnects these two is a fool.
Ninth, recognize that in the incarnation, the God who created this world became flesh
and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. Jesus Christ is therefore not only the
embodiment of pure divine wisdom; he is the Source of all the wisdom that we may gain
in observing the world that he has created. I am cautious about moving too quickly to
treating “Wisdom,” which is often personified in Proverbs, christologically. In keeping
with the gender of the Hebrew word, ḥokmâ, Wisdom is always portrayed as female.
Furthermore, this personification is a playful literary and rhetorical feature. The author
of Proverbs did not want us to imagine any real person behind the figure of speech. Her
presence in the text constitutes an invitation to all to abandon their independent and
geocentric thinking, to give thanks to God for the gift of Wisdom, and to learn all we can
from “her” for the nurture of our own spiritual lives and the glory of God.