RCL: Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38 Proverbs 1:20-33 The Book of Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Scriptures. An important aspect of this literature is to guide the people of God in ways of right living. In this passage from early in the first chapter, Wisdom is personified…

Proverbs 1:20-33 In this passage from Proverbs, Wisdom herself has some strong warnings for the reader. She shouts from a busy street corner, pointing out the faults of the “simple ones” and “scoffers”. “Because you have not heard me or heeded me,” she says, “I will laugh when calamity strikes you.” What’s more, when panic…

Proverbs 1:20-33 What a challenging passage: on first glance it appears as though Woman Wisdom, the female personification of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs (and elsewhere), is merely scolding humanity for ignoring her calls. If we take a closer look, we can see that Woman Wisdom inserts herself into the center of commerce…

Proverbs 1:20-33 In this poem, wisdom is personified as a female prophet preaching in the streets. Her message is not delivered behind closed doors or reserved for a king or other privileged person, but is offered publicly to all. Her message is thus portrayed as common sense, not special knowledge revealed only to a few….