Posted in devotion, devotionals, Proverbs, theology, Tremper Longman III, Uncategorized, tagged anglican, commentary, devotional, episcopal, proverbs, reformed, sermon series, theology, tremper longman III on May 26, 2010|
Leave a Comment »
This summer we will be studying the book of Proverbs. In many ways, this book is problematic in the Old Testament. For one, it has little or no connection to the main redemptive story line of the Old Testament (or the whole Bible for that matter). Also, the book of Proverbs seems to depend heavily on some contemporary pagan sources. Some have concluded that the book of Proverbs is not a theological book at all, but simply a collection of secular sayings intended simply to help one to live his life better. This is problematic because we generally hold that all Scripture exists to witness to the person of Jesus. Is Proverbs simply the one book that breaks this rule? Is it simply advice for a better life, or better yet ethical teachings to become a good person? Tremper Longman III handles this issue very well in his commentary. He says,
The Fear of Yahweh
The conclusion of the preamble to the book states: The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and righteousness. (1:7) The position of this verse signals that the compiler intends to color our view of the teaching of the book as a whole… The important thing to point out at this stage is that this statement claims that there is no “knowledge” (a near synonym of “wisdom,” which is actually used in the formula elsewhere) apart from a relationship with Yahweh that is characterized by fear.
Wisdom is not simply a matter of learning certain principles of life and applying them mechanistically. Wisdom begins with a relationship with God. That this relationship is described as characterized by fear means that the sages understand their place in the universe. While fear is not to be equated with terror, it is probably more than mere respect. After all, people are totally dependent on Yahweh, who created and sustains them. The sages understood this and therefore trembled in the presence of God. (more…)
Read Full Post »
Renewed Minds 
The Beginning of Wisdom
Posted in devotion, devotionals, Proverbs, theology, Tremper Longman III, Uncategorized, tagged anglican, commentary, devotional, episcopal, proverbs, reformed, sermon series, theology, tremper longman III on May 26, 2010| Leave a Comment »
This summer we will be studying the book of Proverbs. In many ways, this book is problematic in the Old Testament. For one, it has little or no connection to the main redemptive story line of the Old Testament (or the whole Bible for that matter). Also, the book of Proverbs seems to depend heavily on some contemporary pagan sources. Some have concluded that the book of Proverbs is not a theological book at all, but simply a collection of secular sayings intended simply to help one to live his life better. This is problematic because we generally hold that all Scripture exists to witness to the person of Jesus. Is Proverbs simply the one book that breaks this rule? Is it simply advice for a better life, or better yet ethical teachings to become a good person? Tremper Longman III handles this issue very well in his commentary. He says,
The Fear of Yahweh
Read Full Post »