The thirteen essays in this volume engage biblical texts from the three books in the Hebrew Bible associated with the wisdom tradition in ancient Israel: Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. These three books provide deep theological reflection on everyday life and practical ethics. Often ignored in the development of theology, these books contain a richness and usefulness the North American church desperately needs to hear in our contemporary cultural contexts. These essays affirm the value of these books, not just for understanding Israel's ideas about wisdom, or even Israel's ideas about faith, but also for the continuing theological witness and development of the church. --From the Introduction, by Steven Schweitzer This collection of textual studies is a welcome contribution to our continued learning. The focus on wisdom takes up a much neglected part of scripture and opens for us large theological affirmations and demanding ethical summonses. In a society that has majored in foolishness on a large scale, the book is a reminder that wisdom that can generate life is rooted elsewhere in a hidden governance that is nonnegotiable and cannot be outflanked. The reader will find these several studies suggestive and accessible, grounded good scholarship but addressed to a church audience that seeks practical guidance for faith. --Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
