Written within the historical-critical paradigm, this commentary on Proverbs
1-9 ventures to overcome the bifurcation of “historical” and
“literary” perspectives in biblical interpretation. Avoiding novel
propositions about composition as well as claims for alternative reading
strategies, it strives to take the text seriously at the philological,
structural and compositional levels in order to indicate the book’s
amplitude and potential. This is done in dialogue with recent and
traditional Jewish and Christian readings. The self-description of Wisdom,
which has had a hugely eventful reception in the history of Christian
doctrine, is particularly striking in this respect. Usually taken to fit
uncomfortably into Israel’s “salvation history”, the universal scope of
the edited poems directs the reader’s eye beyond the history of one nation
and turns wisdom’s putative dearth into a theological asset. The sages
knew the limits of their practical advice and aimed it at ethically living
the Fear of God.