Bible Answer: The theme of the book of Proverbs is wisdom and Proverbs tells us that this wisdom comes from the Lord our God. Wisdom Is Personified Wisdom is personified as a woman in Proverbs ; ; ; ; and Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings: Proverbs NASB The Hebrew word for wisdom is hakmot and this noun is a feminine plural.
Cook writes, In the Hebrew the noun is a feminine plural. Proverbs NASB The most likely reason that wisdom is personified as wisdom is that those familiar with the English language do the same.
Conclusion: Proverbs contains wisdom from God. You are encouraged to read it and obtain wisdom! References: 1. Barnes Notes. Baker Books. In Proverbs 1—9 she makes a number of appearances, portrayed as the life of the party, as someone who is out there, accessible to all, and a desired companion with lots to offer. Lady Wisdom offers many good things life and blessing, insight and understanding, long life and prosperity to those who take her hand and allow her to guide them through the winding paths of life.
However, Wisdom is a complicated woman. We will see this already in Proverbs where at points she appears indistinguishable from Lady Folly her doppelganger of sorts. Enjoying this article? Read more from The Biblical Mind. This can be a powerful reminder for those who are suffering and unable to see their way through it.
Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly are prominent personifications throughout Scripture. Personification is one of the most delightful and thought-provoking literary features in the Hebrew Bible.
Personification is when non-human things are given human characteristics, attributes and actions. The biblical authors inspire us to imagine, for example, mountains and hills breaking into song and trees giving a round of applause in response to God Isaiah Waters are afraid and tremble Psalm , the voice of blood cries out from the ground Genesis , sin crouches at the door, ready to pounce Genesis , death is a shepherd, leading the foolish to Sheol Psalm , mercy and goodness relentlessly chase after the Psalmist Psalm , steadfast love and faithfulness hook up, and righteousness and peace are not embarrassed by public displays of affection Psalm And wisdom in Scripture is frequently portrayed as a complicated, sometimes downright difficult woman.
The composite portrait of Lady Wisdom appears in several passages in Proverbs 1—9 Prov. A quick glance through these passages indicates that Wisdom holds out the possibility of a full and prosperous existence for any and all who follow her. Although these passages indicate that her companionship and guidance are the most precious things the world has to offer, more importantly, the possession of Wisdom herself far surpasses any of these things.
Putting women in the position of men creates a spectacle for the ancient readers — how funny, that a woman should be a political leader cf. Theological context Turning from the historical and literary context I will now look at some of the theological issues raised by the female personification of wisdom. I have already hinted at the discussion about chapter 8 of Proverbs and whether this represents a hypostatisation of Wisdom. Proverbs chapter 8 says something to us about God and about woman.
Having referred to the 37 Jane S. It might do that for the modern reader but I do not think the original writers had that in mind. When wisdom proclaims, "I was beside God like a little child," the community, like wisdom, becomes initiated into the grand and joyous ways of God that began in creation In fact, the relationship she wishes with her discipleship is modeled on her relationship with Yahweh.
This then becomes not only a relationship with Wisdom that affects all of life but also a relationship with YHWH. See also William P. It is striking that the greatest church in early Christianity was named the Hagia Sophia47 — the concept of Divine Wisdom remains an important symbol of Christian truth and beauty in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
The personification of Wisdom as female has had lasting power for generations since it was first conceived by those early Hebrew sages. Conclusion I have explored and described the personification of Wisdom as a woman in Proverbs by looking at the historical context in which it was likely written, the use of the personification as a literary tool and then finally looked at some of its theological consequences.
The post-exilic setting had heightened the importance of women and a stable home and this contributed to the setting used within Proverbs for the instruction. The literary context shed light on the use of female personification as a very effective pedagogical tool — especially for its young male audience. Barton, S. Where Shall Wisdom Be Found? Brown, W. Crenshaw, J. Meyendorff, J. Morgan, D. Perry, T. Sandelin, K. Wisdom as nourisher Abo Akademi, Schroder, S. Webster, J.
Weeks, S. Learn more. Woman Wisdom: Bible by Claudia V. In Brief. Female Personification of Wisdom. Significance of Woman Wisdom. Meyers, Carol, General Editor. Women in Scripture. New York: Sinnot, Alice M. The Personification of Wisdom. Routledge, More Like This See Also:. See Also:. Donate Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women.
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