Page 99 - The Poetic Books - Student Text

5. Everyday wisdom uses what parts of the body?

6. What is the most important part of a person?

7. Life is often compared to taking a

8. The opposite of wisdom is

9. The setting of the first chapters is that of a father instructing him

10. The beginning of wisdom is the

10.5. Let’s Personalize this Lesson….

Both ancient and modern cultures have systems of wisdom. They are built by observing how
life works. Parents and grandparents, as well as rulers, want their own families and tribes and
nations to work well. Both ancient and modern systems of wisdom are different from that
found in the Bible. How much different tells us something of how successfully people go
through life as God evaluates life. In ancient Babylon “Councils of Wisdom” have very
different directions from those in Proverbs. While some proverbs from Babylon refer to restraint in
speech and other practical matters similar to the biblical advice, others demonstrate great contrast.

60 It is not pleasing to Shamash, who will requite him with e[vi]l.
Give food to eat, beer to drink; Grant
what is asked…
In this a man’s god takes pleasure;
It is pleasing to Shamash, who will
requite him with favour.
65 Do charitable deeds, render service all
your days.
72 Do not marry a prostitute, whose
husbands are legion,
A temple harlot, who is dedicated to a
god,
A courtesan, whose favours are many.
75 In your trouble she will not support you,
In your dispute she will be a mocker;
There is no reverence or submissiveness Figure 49: Shamas sun god
with her.

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