Welcome to September! Our new semester is just around the corner, starting on Monday 11 September, ... either IN-PERSON at 2:00 pm in the Basement Hall of Saint Patrick Church .... or at 7:00 pm via ZOOMING. ( * )
( * ) To learn how to connect with the ZOOMING, kindly call Victoria or Julia in the NCC Office at ( 508 ) 653-1093.
As promised, here are the INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS for the new semester. Included are:
( 1 ) List of class dates and topics
( 2 ) Syllabus of Reading Recommendations
and Questions for Reflection and Discussion
( 3 ) Bibliography of Suggested Resources
( 4 ) Notes to accompany your reading for the first session.
( 5 ) Closing Prayer for each class meeting / zooming
Just as a friendly reminder:
please bring / have your own Bible at class if you can ...
and also print out your own copy of the class notes
if you want to follow along with the lecture and discussion.
With you all, I too am looking forward to this semester's exploration of the Old Testament's WISDOM LITERATURE.
Monday Bible Study Autumn 2023 Old Testament Wisdom Literature CLASS SCHEDULE and TOPICS
11 September The Value of Wisdom 18 SeptemberFear of the Lord 25 September Creation and Providence of God 02 October Who Is “Lady Wisdom” ? 09 October The Importance of Relationships: Marriage and Sexuality 16 October The Importance of Relationships: Family and Generations 23 October The Importance of Relationships: Friends and Associates 30 October Ethics regarding Material Goods, Money, and Wealth 06 November Duties toward the Poor: Justice, Compassion, Generosity, and Empathy 13 November Virtues: Gratitude, Prudence, Integrity, and Nobility 20 November Knowledge of Good and Evil / Necessary Advice for Living Life Well 27 November The Problem of Evil and Suffering 04 December Wisdom and the Proper Use of Time 11 December Wisdom and the Afterlife 18 December Conclusion: Takeaways from our Semester’s Learning about Wisdom ================================================ Monday Bible Study Autumn 2023 Old Testament Wisdom Literature Bible Readings Suggested for Homework Reflection / Discussion Questions for Class [ Note: Reflection questions are taken from the following Collegeville Bible Commentaries: ] ·( Volume 9 ) First Kings, Second Kings ( Alice L. Laffey R.S.M. ) ·( Volume 18 ) Introduction to Wisdom Literature and Proverbs ( Lawrence E. Boadt, C.S.P. ) ·( Volume 19 ) Job ( Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M. ) ·( Volume 20 ) Wisdom ( John E. Rybolt, C.M. ) ·( Volume 21 ) Sirach ( John E. Rybolt, C.M. ) ·( Volume 24 ) Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther ( James A. Fischer, C.M. )
======================================================= Please note: It is suggested that you do as much as you can of the Recommended Reading BEFORE Each Class =====================================================
PRIOR TO FIRST CLASS on Monday 11 September. Please read the following texts. Thank you ! ) ( 1 Kings 8 – 9 ) Dedication of the Temple / Solomon’s Prayer / Promise and Warning of Solomon
( Proverbs 1 – 4 ) and( Sirach 1, 6, 14 , 15, 40, 42 ) Purpose of the Proverbs of Solomon / The Path of the Wicked: Greed and Violence The Blessings of Wisdom / Attitude Toward the Lord Wisdom: The Supreme Guide of Men / The Good and Evil Way Praise of Wisdom / Blessings of Wisdom The Search for Wisdom and its Blessings / Man’s Free Will Joys and Miseries of Life / True and False Shame 11 Sept What is WISDOM LITERATURE of the OLD TESTAMENT ?
Prayer: (Proverbs 8 ) The Discourse of Wisdom
Reflection Questions: What distinguishes a “WISDOM BOOK” from other parts of the O.T. ? Why is SOLOMON associated with Wisdom literature ? Compare / contrast the definition of “WISDOM” from the OT and your own understanding of this concept.
( please read these text before the second session on Monday 18 September. Thank you ! ) Reading:
( Proverbs 1, 9 ) The Beginning of Wisdom is Fear of the Lord ( Ecclesiastes 12 ) Epilogue: Fear God and Keep His Commandments ( Sirach 1,2, 34 ) Praise of Wisdom / Duties toward God Trust in the Lord / True Worship of God ( Sirach 18, 19 ) The Divine Power and Mercy / How to Recognize True Wisdom ( Sirach 32, 39 ) The Providence of God / Praise of God the Creator ( Sirach 42 ) God’s Works in Nature ( Job 28, 42 ) The Inaccessibility of Wisdom / Epilogue / Job’s Restoration ( Psalms 1, 111 ) True Happiness in God’s Law / Praise of God for Goodness to Israel ( Wisdom 13, 14 ) Digression on False Worship / Nature Worship / Idolatry The Carpenter and Wooden Idols ? / The Origin and Evils of Idolatry
18 Sept The Fear of the Lord
Prayer: ( Sirach 1- 2 ) Praise of Wisdom / Fear of the Lord / Duties toward God Reflection Questions:
How can “FEAR OF THE LORD” be understood as “the BEGINNING of WISDOM” ? Where is “WISDOM”? How do we begin to find it? How does Job show us the way ? What does Sirach teach us about the difference between true and falseWISDOM ?
( please read these text before the third session on Monday 25 September. Thank you !
( Psalm 19 ) God’s Glory in the Heavens and in the Law ( Psalm 65 ) Thanksgiving for God’s Blessings ( Psalm 104 ) Praise of God the Creator ( Sirach 16 ) Divine Wisdom Seen in Creation ( Job 38, 39, 40 ) The Lord’s Speech in Response to Job ( Wisdom 3 ) The Hidden Counsels of God ( Wisdom 11, 12, 15 ) Special Providence of God During the Exodus
25 Sept Creation and Providence of God
Prayer: (Job 38 ) The Lord’s Response to Job Reflection Questions:
Why is a THEOLOGY OF CREATION important for a more complete understanding OT Wisdom Literature? What part of “CREATION” most speaks to you of God’s wisdom ? Why ? What part of “PROVIDENCE” most speaks to you of God’s wisdom ? Why ? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
( please read these text before the fourth session on Monday 02 October. Thank you !
( Proverbs 1, 2 ) The Purpose of the Proverbs / The Blessing of Wisdom ( Proverbs 8 - 9 ) The Discourse of Wisdom / The Two Banquets ( Wisdom 6:22 – 11:1 ) Praise of Wisdom by Solomon Introduction / Solomon is Like All other Men Solomon Prayer and Wisdom and Riches Came to Him Solomon Prays for Help to Speak of Wisdom Nature and Incomparable Dignity of Wisdom Solomon Sought Wisdom the Source of Blessings / Counselor / Comfort Solomon Realizes that Wisdom is a Gift from God / Solomon’s Prayer / Wisdom Preserves Her Followers ( Sirach 24, 51 ) Praise of Wisdom / Epilogue and Canticles 02 October Who Is "Lady Wisdom" ?
In ( Proverbs 1, 8, 9 ) what purpose does the “personification” of Wisdom serve ? In ( Wisdom 6 – 11 ) why does the author personify Wisdom and how does this help us to understand the human relationship to God ? In ( Sirach 24 ) what have you learned about Israel’s love for Wisdom ?
========================================================================================= ( please read these text before the fifth session on Monday 09 October. Thank you ! )
( Song of Songs 1, 7 ) Love’s Desires / Boast / Inquiry / Vision / Union ( Song of Songs 2, 3 ) A Tryst in the Spring / Loss and Discovery ( Song of Songs 4, 5, 6 ) The Charms of the Beloved / The Lost Lover ( Song of Songs 7, 8 ) The Beauty of the Bride / True Love / Life Together 09 October The Importance of Relationships: Marriage and Sexuality
Prayer: ( Psalm 63 ) Ardent Longing for God Reflection Questions:
What does the Song of Songs tell you about love and marriage ? Why do you think the Christian spiritual / mystical tradition understands the Song of Song as a celebration of the soul’s union with God
( please read these text before the sixth session
on Monday 16 October. Thank you ! )
Reading: ( Psalm 127 ) The Need of God’s Blessing ( Psalm 128 ) The Happy Home of the Just ( Proverbs 5, 6, 7 ) Warning against Adultery ( Proverbs 31 ) The Words of Lemuel / The Ideal Wife ( Ecclesiastes 7 ) Critique of Sages on Women ( Sirach 3 ) Duties Toward Parents / Humility ( Sirach 7, 30 ) Duties of Family Life / Training of Children 16 October The Importance of Relationships: Family and Generations Prayer: (Psalms 127 and 128 ) The Need of God’s Blessing / The Happy Home of the Just Reflection Questions:
How are ( Psalms 127 / 128 ) sources of good advice for families ? What does ( Proverbs 31 ) teach us about the traditional view of the special role of women in a marriage and in a family ? What do ( Sirach 3, 7 and 30 ) teach us about the traditional view of family life ?
=================================================================== ( please read these text before the seventh session on Monday 23 October. Thank you ! )
Reading:
( Sirach 5, 6 ) True Friendship / Choice of Friends ( Sirach 7, 8 ) Conduct in Public Life / Prudence in Dealing with Others ( Sirach 11, 12, 13 ) Care in Choosing Friends / Caution Re: Associates ( Sirach 25, 26, 27 ) Those Worthy of Praise / Integrity and Friendship ( Sirach 30 ) Property and Servants 23 October The Importance of Relationships: Friends and Associates Prayer: (Job 1, 2 ) Prologue / Family and Friends of Job Reflection Questions:
What can we learn from ( Job 1-2 ) about the value / esteem which a just person can / ought to have placed on family and friends ? Discuss Ben Sira’s teachings on friendship. Does this match your experience ?Discuss Ben Sira’s teaching on the importance of integrity among associates. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ( please read these text before the eighth session on Monday 30 October. Thank you ! )
Reading:
( Sirach 5, 6 ) True Friendship / Choice of Friends ( Sirach 7, 8 ) Conduct in Public Life / Prudence in Dealing with Others ( Sirach 11, 12, 13 ) Care in Choosing Friends / Caution Re: Associates ( Sirach 25, 26, 27 ) Those Worthy of Praise / Integrity and Friendship ( Sirach 30 ) Property and Servants 23 October The Importance of Relationships: Friends and Associates
Reading:
( Job 1, 2 ) Prologue: Job’s Wealth and Piety / The Second Trial ( Job 13, 14 ) Job’s Third Reply ( Psalm 49 ) Confidence in God rather than in Riches ( Ecclesiastes 2 ) Study of Wisdom and Folly / Study of the Fruits of Toil ( Ecclesiastes 4, 5 ) Vanity of Toil / Gain and Loss of Goods ( Ecclesiastes 6 ) Limited Worth of Enjoyment ( Sirach 14 ) The Use of Wealth ( Sirach 29, 31 ) Loans, Alms, Surety / Frugality / Proper Attitude toward Riches ( Sirach 35 ) God’s judgment on the (un) generous, (un) merciful, and ( un ) just 30 October Ethics regarding Material Goods, Money, and Wealth Prayer: (Psalm 49 ) Confidence in God rather than in riches Reflection Questions:
What advice for right living would you find in ( Psalm 49 ) ? How do you understand Qoheleth’s teachings on possessions ? How do you understand Ben Sira’s teachings on possessions ?
( please read these text before the ninth session on Monday 06 November. Thank you ! )
Reading: ( Psalm 112 ) The Blessings of the Just ( Psalm 113 ) Praise of God’s Care for the Poor ( Sirach 3, 4 ) Alms for the Poor ( Sirach 7, 30 ) Duties of Religion and Charity ( Wisdom 1 ) Exhortation to Justice, the Key to Life 06 November Duties to the Poor: Justice, Compassion, Generosity, Empathy Prayer: (Wisdom 1 ) Exhortation to Justice Reflection Questions:
What does the Book of Wisdom teach about the meaning of justice ? What connection(s) does the Psalmist make between giving praise to the Lord and obedience to the commandments of care for the poor ? What reason(s) does Ben Sira offer for almsgiving as a religious obligation ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ( please read these text before the tenth session on Monday 13 November. Thank you ! ) Reading: ( Proverbs 30 ) The Words of Agur / Numerical Proverbs ( Wisdom 2 ) The Wicked Reject Immortality and Justice Alike ( Wisdom 6 - 9 ) Exhortation to Seek Wisdom ( Sirach 4, 5 ) The Rewards of Wisdom / Sincerity and Justice ( Sirach 23, 28 ) Proper Use of the Tongue / An Evil Tongue ( Sirach 30, 31, 32 ) Health of Soul and Body / God’s Providence 13 November Virtues: Gratitude, Prudence, Integrity, and Nobility Prayer: (Sirach 4:1 1 -5:17 ) The Rewards of Wisdom and Sincerity Reflection Questions:
What is the Book of Wisdom’s teaching on prudence in judging ? Why is this an important virtue for Solomon to desire ? Describe Ben Sira’s treatment of financial matters ? Good advice ? Why ? Describe Ben Sira’s treatment of good manners ? Good advice ? Why ?
================================================================= ( please read these text before the eleventh session on Monday 20 November. Thank you ! ) Reading: ( Psalm 73 ) The Trial of the Just ( Psalm 119 ) A Prayer to God, the Lawgiver ( Proverbs 10, 11, 12 ) The Proverbs of Solomon ( Proverbs 22, 23, 24 ) Sayings of the Wise ( Ecclesiastes 1 ) Vanity of Toil Without Profit ( Ecclesiastes 2 ) Two-Fold Instruction / Study of Pleasure Seeking ( Sirach 16 ) God’s Punishment of Sinners ( Sirach 18, 19 ) The Necessity of Prudence / Self-control / Recognizing true wisdom ( Sirach 20, 21 ) Conduct of Wise and Foolish / Laziness and Foolishness ( Sirach 31 ) Table Etiquette ( Sirach 36, 37 ) Prayer for God’s people / Choice of Friends and Advisors ( Sirach 37 ) Wisdom and Temperance 20 November Knowledge of Good / Evil / Necessary Advice for Living Life Well Prayer: (Sirach 24 ) The Praise of Wisdom Reflection Questions:
Qoheleth often contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of the foolish. How come this is important for a religious person? Ben Sira contrasts self-control with irresponsibility and lack of discipline.
How come this too is important for a religious person ?
( please read these text before the twelfth session on Monday 27 November. Thank you ! )
Reading: ( Baruch 3:9 – 4:4 ) Praise of Wisdom in the Law of Moses
( Job 3 )Job’s Complaint ( Job 6, 7 ) Job’s First Reply ( Job 9, 10 ) Job’s Second Reply ( Job 12, 13, 14 ) Job’s Third Reply ( Ecclesiastes 2, 8 ) The Problem of Retribution ( Ecclesiastes 7 ) Critique of Sages on Justice and Wickedness ( Ecclesiastes 10, 11 ) Man Does Not Know what Good / Evil Will Come( Wisdom 3, 4 ) The Hidden Counsels of God: On Suffering / On Early Death ( Sirach 10, 21 ) The Sin of Pride / Sin Must Be Avoided ( Sirach 38 ) Sickness and Death / Mourning 27 November The Problem of Evil and Suffering Prayer: (Baruch 3:9 – 4:4 ) Praise of Wisdom in the Law of Moses Reflection Questions:
In the Book of Job, what answers are given for the suffering of the innocent ? How does Qoheleth challenge both those who work and those who play ? What advice does Ben Sira offer regarding sickness, death, and mourning ?
( please read these text before the thirteenth session on Monday 04 December. Thank you ! )
Reading: ( Psalm 90 ) God’s Eternity and Human Frailty ( Ecclesiastes 3 ) Man Cannot Hit on the Right Time to Act ( Ecclesiastes 7 ) Critique of Sages on the Day of Adversity ( Ecclesiastes 9, 10 ) Man Does Not Know What is to Come / The Evil Time Not Known / The Uncertain Future ( Ecclesiastes 11,12 ) Poem on Youth and Old Age / Epilogue 04 December Wisdom and the Proper Use of Time
Prayer: (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 -15 ) Wisdom on How to Regard Time Reflection Questions:
What does ( Psalm 90 ) teach your mind and heart about valuing time ? What does Qoheleth teach your mind and heart about valuing time ? What is your reaction / response to Qoheleth’s discussion of youth and old age ?
( please read these text before the fourteenth session on Monday 11 December. Thank you ! )
Reading: ( Psalm 30 ) Thanksgiving for Deliverance ( Psalm 68 ) The Exodus and Conquest, Pledge of Future Help ( Psalm 88 ) A Despairing Lament ( Psalm 139 ) The All-knowing and Ever-present God ( Ecclesiastes 11, 12 ) Poem on Youth and Old Age / Epilogue (Wisdom 2, 3, 4, 5 ) On Early Death / The Final Judgment of the Wicked ( Sirach 17 ) Creation of Human Beings / Appeal to Return to God ( Sirach 18 ) Call to Leave Sin Behind / Divine Power and Mercy 11 December Wisdom and the Afterlife Prayer: (Wisdom 3:1-12; 4:7- 5:23 ) Counsels of God on Suffering, Death, Judgment Reflection Questions: What does the Psalmist teach us about hope for the afterlife ? What advice does Qoheleth offer us on approaching life’s mysteries ? What cautions does Ben Sira give us about the need for God ?
-18 DecemberConclusion: Takeaways from our Study of Wisdom Literature Reflection questions: ·Which text(s) which we have studied did you find the most meaningful and why ? ·Which text(s) which we have studied did you find the most challenging and why ?