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Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job: Wisdom

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  1. Lesson One
    Proverbs: Sayings of Sages (Proverbs 5–9, 22–30)
    25 Activities
  2. Lesson Two
    Proverbs: Wisdom, Our World and YHWH (Proverbs 10–21, 31)
    29 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  3. Lesson Three
    Ecclesiastes
    23 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  4. Lesson Four
    The Lament of Job (Job 1–3, 32–42)
    30 Activities
  5. Lesson Five
    The Wisdom of Job (Job 4–31)
    20 Activities
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment
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The Bible features both Wisdom Literature and moral literature. What’s the difference? 

Both kinds of literature discuss ethical and moral concerns, but the way they approach these subjects is strikingly different. 

Read the proverbs below alongside some of the Ten Commandments, arguably the Bible’s best-known moral literature. In the next exercise, you’ll be asked to record your observations.

The Ten Commandments (NIV)Proverbs (NIV)
You shall not murder. (Ex 20:13)Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the life of those who get it. (Prov 1:19) 
You shall not commit adultery. (Ex 20:14)But a man who commits adultery has no sense;
whoever does so destroys himself. (Prov 6:32)
You shall not steal. (Ex 20:15)The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
they are put under oath and dare not testify. (Prov 29:24)
You shall not bear false testimony against your neighbor. (Ex 20:16)A false witness will perish,But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever. (Prov 21:28)