Literary genre is a category of written works. Recognizing the type of writing prepares one for how to read and observe the text. Some
literature can be considered as being a couple categories. For example, Hebrew proverbs and wisdom literature are all poetic. Poetry can teach
wisdom in a concise and compressed language and in a memorable form.
There are two types of biblical wisdom: practical and speculative. Practical wisdom refers to guidelines that will lead to a holy and happy
life. Speculative wisdom refers to the deeper issues such as the meaning of life and the existence of evil.
Proverbs and wisdom literature can be found in Bible books such as Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.
Wisdom literature may be a bit more challenging to understand. Not only does one need to recognize the form of Hebrew poetry, but having a
grasp of literary devices is required to perceive the wisdom of the passage. Here are some of the common types of figures of speech seen in
the Bible’s wisdom literature:
1. Personification. This literary device attributes human characteristics to something that is inanimate or an abstract concept. By doing so,
the non-human subject becomes more memorable.
Wisdom shouts in the street,
She gives forth her voice in the square;
At the
head of the noisy streets she calls out;
At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings:
"How long, O simple ones, will you love simplicity?
And scoffers delight in scoffing
And fools hate knowledge?" (Prov 1:20-22, LSB)
2. Metaphor. This figure of speech makes a comparison by stating something "is" something else. The description isn’t literally
true but it helps explain something is similar to something else in a colorful way. It differs from similes in that the comparison is saying
that something can replace something else.
As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout
So is a beautiful woman who turns away from
discretion. (Prov 11:22, LSB)
As the door turns on its hinges,
So does the sluggard on his bed. (Prov 26:14, LSB)
3. Simile. This figure of speech makes a comparison by stating something "as" or "like" something else. It highlights the
similarities of two things. It differs from metaphors in that the comparison is saying something is only similar to something else.
Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes,
So is the sluggard to those who send
him. (Prov 10:26, LSB)
Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. (Prov 25:11-12, LSB)
I resemble a pelican of the wilderness;
I have become like an owl of the waste places.
I lie awake,
I have become like a lonely bird on a roof. (Ps 102:6-7, LSB)
How should you read Proverbs and wisdom literature?
- Read poetry slowly in short sections and enjoy the literary beauty of God’s word.
- Study the figures of speech such as personification, metaphor and simile. Carefully observe what is being said and compared.
- Look for the behavior and their consequences and learn from them.