Interpreting the Wisdom Books - (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis) by Edward M Curtis (Paperback)

About the Book

The wisdom literature of the Bible (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs) is filled with practical principles for everyday life. While some Christians are deterred by the seemingly general nature of these matter-of-fact guidelines, they are as integral to God's purposes for his people as the explicitly theological material that dominates other parts of Scripture. The wisdom books in their own unique way enrich and strengthen the church. From back cover.

Book Synopsis

The Wisdom Literature of the Bible (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs) is filled with practical principles for everyday life. While some Christians are deterred by the pragmatic character of these matter-of-fact guidelines, they are as integral to God's purposes for His people as the explicitly theological material that dominates other parts of Scripture. The Wisdom books tie these two streams of God's revelation together in a way that enriches and strengthens the church.

It is a thorough resource for pastors and teachers to help them navigate the sometimes bewildering waters of the Wisdom Literature.

Review Quotes

"This book is clearly the fruit of many years spent drinking deeply from the wisdom literature. The technical discussions are nuanced and balanced, with clear examples and abundant bibliography. At the same time, Curtis has managed to produce a handbook that invites the reader to actually hear the text--to pursue wisdom. For anyone working in this challenging portion of the Scriptures, Curtis's excellent scholarship and faithful teaching will be a welcome interpretive guide."--J. Michael Thigpen, Executive Director of the Evangelical Theological Society (6/12/0201 12:00:00 AM)

"Old Testament Wisdom Literature requires more than academic study to fully understand and teach it. A book such as this can only be written after a lifetime of studying and living it. Ed Curtis is one who has not only studied Wisdom Literature for decades, it is clear to anyone who meets him that he embodies biblical wisdom in his life--it is precisely this aspect that rings true throughout Interpreting Wisdom Literature. Well organized and clearly written, this is an essential work for all pastors, and will also serve well for those who teach the Wisdom Books in the classroom. Ed Curtis has gifted to us biblical wisdom that is universal and timeless. It will cross cultural boundaries and endure for generations to come. Anyone who wants to learn wisdom--and practice it--will find this book worthwhile and invigorating. The series title holds true--this work by Ed Curtis will be an essential Handbook that should be on every pastor's shelf, taking the student of Wisdom from the historical background in the ancient Near East all the way to sermon preparation. Even the glossary and Appendix will prove helpful for those who are not yet well versed in Hebrew exegesis."--Daniel E. Kim, Assistant Prof. of OT and Semitics, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University (6/12/2017 12:00:00 AM)

"Professor Curtis has devoted his career to discovering the way of wisdom and helping others to do the same. In this comprehensive handbook he offers concise advice for handling the wisdom corpus of Scripture. He models principles and skills from hermeneutics and homiletics by emphasizing theological themes, poetic conventions, ancient Near Eastern background, and the broader context of Scripture. His guidelines for interpreting the individual wisdom books are golden gifts to all students who fear the Lord and desire to apprehend and communicate God's wisdom wisely."--Kenneth C. Way, Department Chair of Old Testament and Semitics, Talbot School of Theology (6/12/2017 12:00:00 AM)

"Using the wisdom gained by teaching the wisdom literature to generations of students at Biola University, Ed Curtis walks the reader through the process of understanding both the easier and the more difficult parts of the wisdom literature. In line with the wisdom genre, he liberally sprinkles the book with his own wisdom, recounting stories from his life and comments from his students. This book is a valuable guide to anyone interested in being inspired by the beauty of the wisdom literature."--Charlie Trimm, assistant professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University (6/12/2017 12:00:00 AM)

As the 'Exegetical Handbooks' series continues, Ed Curtis has provided this excellent volume on Wisdom Literature that is breathtaking in its combination of scope and accessibility. Wisdom is meant to be learned under a mentor, and Curtis shows himself to be just that. Readers will find help that is informed as well as practical at every level of the interpretive process. Curtis' experience as an exegete, a teacher, and a preacher are evident on every page. Those who seek to understand the wisdom literature or teach it will find here a treasure trove of insight and guidance.--John Walton, professor of Old Testament "Wheaton College" (8/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)

In conversations with Ed Curtis I have been continually amazed at his insights into the Scriptures, and at his clear way of conveying them to others. You will see what I mean when you read these pages. A wise man has written a wise book about wisdom literature.--Donald R. Sunukjian, professor of Preaching "Talbot School of Theology" (8/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)

This handbook helpfully touches on areas of interpreting the wisdom books, their contribution to Old Testament theology, and also how to handle these poetic wisdom books in study and interpretation. . . . Curtis' book will help to give these wisdom books their rightful place in the preaching and teaching ministry of the church.--Ellis R. Brotzman "Tyndale Theological Seminary" (8/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)