September 16, 2012, 16 Pentecost
Proverbs 1:20-33
The Call of Wisdom
Background: Proverbs, like Ecclesiastes and Song of
Solomon is attributed to Solomon. It is likely that Solomon was not the author
but because the verses describe wisdom they are associated with the archetype
of wisdom in the Old Testament. Principal in the book of Proverbs is the
combination of received tradition with new insights.
Theme: This section marks the beginning of the
“Wisdom Poems.” In this section we see Woman Wisdom delivering a series of
rhetorical, but direct, questions. Woman Wisdom begins an open appeal to
society asking the wise and simple to reflect on the importance of Wisdom for
their continued survival.
Questions to Ponder
* What function does “Woman Wisdom” have in educating the
people? Do you think “Woman Wisdom” has a function in teaching more people than
just the Israelites? Why or why not?
* Why do you think “Woman Wisdom” was addressing her society
on the street and in the square by raising her voice (v. 20)?
* What other passages in Scripture use the motif of “How
long…” for engaging the readers?
* Why might “Woman Wisdom” be focusing on “the simple” with
her opening query?
* In this passage, it appears that “Woman Wisdom” is not
compassionate – she “laughs at the simple person’s calamity” and “mocks them
when they panic”. Do you think that image is the desired image of the writer? Why
or why not?
* In verse 28 “Woman Wisdom” says the people will “call… and
not be answered” and “seek… and not find me.” What other passages of scripture
is this either reminiscent of or in contrast to?
* To whom do you think “Woman Wisdom” is speaking?
* In verse 30 the verbs change to words like counsel
and reproof. For what reason do you think the change is made? What type
of relationship is intimated by the change in tone?
* In verses 32 and 33, “Woman Wisdom” does not appear to be
the one who executes judgment. Who or what might the judge of the “simple
person” be? Do you think this was the case in the time that the text was
written?
* Some argue that this passage states that “Woman Wisdom” is
not the judge and our actions are actually our judge. Do you think this is
true? Given our society’s tendencies do you think our society believes this
hypothesis – that “evil is its own reward”?
* What might the applications of this passage be for our church today?
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