Synoptic Charts

THEO 60108 - WISDOM LITERATURE
(The Rev.) Hugh R. Page, Jr., Dmin, PhD Edgar A. Gamboa

Synoptic Chart of the Canonical and Deutero-Canonical Wisdom Books

Book Author(s) Date Major Themes Central Theme Passage

Proverbs Sage 5th BC God's omniscience Fear of the Lord is the beginning
Míshlê Shelomoh Solomon ? Abandonment to God of knowledge 1.7
Righteousness and virtue
Job Sage? 6th-4th BC Humility and trust in God The Lord gave and the Lord has taken
איוב Enigma of suffering of righteous away; blessed be the name of the Lord! 1.21
Job's restoration
Ecclesiastes/ Qoheleth 300 BC Everything is vanity Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! 1.2
Qoheleth Sage Mystery of life and cosmos
קֹהֶלֶת Rhythm of life and nature
Genesis JEDP sources 950-400 BC God's creation God created humankind in his image, in
בְּרֵאשִׁית, Promise to Abraham the image of God he created them 1.27
Covenant with Noah
Psalms King David 6th- 165BC Lamentation Happy are those who fear the Lord, who
Tehilim, תהילים Group of authors? Praises to the Lord walk in the ways of God. Ps 128
Prayers
Esther Persian Jew? 4th-3rd BC Survival in dangerous world
אֶסְתֵּר Origin of Jewish festival of Purim The Lord saved his people and delivered us from all these evils. F6 (Gk)
God's providence over Israel (Gk version)
Song of Songs Unknown poet 4th-3rd BC Celebration of human love (eros and agape) Set me as a seal upon your heart as a seal upon your arm;
שיר השירים, Shir ha-Shirim Love between God and Israel for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. 8.6
Sacredness of married union.
Ecclesiasticus Yeshua ben Sira 180 BC Duties to oneself, family, community, and God
חכמת בן סירא Sympathy to the poor and oppressed Trust God and he will help you; make straight your ways
Eulogy of heroes of Israel and hope in him. 2.6
Wisdom of Anonymous 1st BC Justice, wisdom and immortality
Solomon Hellenistic Jew? Solomon and sophia God formed man to be imperishable; the image
God's Providence during Exodus of his own nature he made him. 2.23
Judith Anonymous 2nd-1st BC God's presence in his people post Exodus ...all the people have recognized your prudence which
יְהוּדִית God saves Israelites through God-fearing Judith corresponds to the worthy disposition of your heart. 8.29
God of the poor /oppressed responds to prayer
Tobit Anonymous 2nd BC Intercession of angels; prayer and almsgiving Prayer and fasting are good but better than either is
Τωβείτ Family values almsgiving accompanied by righteousness. 12.8