Old Testament
Wisdom and poetry
How to worship, suffer, live and love under God.
Where Wisdom and poetry sit
- In the Bible
- Old Testament, 5 books and 243 chapters
- In the story
- Act III, Promise · Act IV, Israel
What Wisdom and poetry are about
- The fear of the LORD
- Praise and lament
- Suffering and God’s wisdom
- Wise living in God’s world
- Life’s limits under the sun
- The gift of love
How they point to Christ
The Psalms point to Christ; in Him are the treasures of wisdom (Luke 24:44; Col 2:3).
The wisdom and poetry books of the Bible in order
- Job Faith tested before the wise Creator42 chapters
The suffering of God's upright servant exposes false answers, calls for humble trust in the Creator and ends in repentance, vindication and mercy.
- Psalms Prayer and praise before the reigning LORD150 chapters
The LORD teaches His people to trust His word and His promised King, bring Him every grief and sin, and praise His faithful rule over all creation.
- Proverbs Learn wisdom in the fear of the LORD31 chapters
The fear of the LORD teaches people to receive correction, practice justice and walk wisely in speech, work, relationships and public life.
- Ecclesiastes Receive life under the Creator's judgment12 chapters
Human effort cannot master life, defeat death or explain all God's work; receive His gifts, fear Him and keep His commandments.
- Song of Songs Love cherished, guarded and freely given8 chapters
The Song celebrates faithful married love through mutual desire, delight, patient restraint and a commitment that wealth cannot buy.