Hebrew Wisdom Research Paper

Hebrew Wisdom
Throughout the Bible there are countless scriptures that express the importance of wisdom over folly. Alike, there are many scriptures that explain the significance of diligence over laziness. There is much to be said regarding wisdom and remaining diligent, and what occurs when there is a strong lack of wisdom and diligence. Throughout this essay the teachings of Hebrew wisdom regarding these topics will be discussed in great detail. Solomon is thought to be the wisest man in history. “In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt” (1 Kings 4:30, New Living Translation). Solomon became king at a very young age and at this time while Solomon acted in with the decrees of David (1 King 3:3) (Maller, 2011). Solomon’s teachings in Proverbs are known for covering excellent examples of wisdom. As Solomon taught about wisdom it can easily be contrasted to laziness. Maller (2011) poses the question of “Was Solomon too wise a king?” (Maller, 2011). While Solomon’s wisdom is discussed greatly in 1 King 5:9-14, Maller (2011 argues there are many times that Solomon does not follow his own
God given wisdom. An example of this is it taking seven years for Solomon to build the Temple of the Lord, whereas it took a full 13 years to build his own palace (Maller, 2011). Through Solomon’s teachings we also see the significance of diligence in contract to laziness.
Proverbs 13:4, the New International Version reads that “A sluggard 's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4, New International Version). New Living Translation of the same scripture reads “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper” (Proverbs 13:4, New Living Translation). Lazy and sluggish are translated to meaning the same thing in various scriptures; they are both equally in contract to diligence. Proverbs 21:5 equates diligence to prosperity; “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want” (Proverbs 21:5, New King James). Because Solomon followed these scriptures his Kingdom was
successful. Solomon’s wisdom was surpassed by all other sages (Hindson & Yates, 2012). Hindson & Yates lay the foundation with scripture on what wisdom is; “A wise man is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless” (Proverbs 14:16) (Hindson & Yates, 2012). Solomon’s wisdom attributed to him writing 3,000 proverbs (Hindson & Yates, 2012). It is important for wisdom to be applied thought logically about, rather than memorized or simply studied (Hindson & Yates, 2012). In Angel’s journal, he explains that Solomon asked God for wisdom and God delivered because Solomon asked specifically for this. “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” (1 King 3:12, New International Version) (Angel, 2011). Angel theorizes that while it is true that Solomon was literally taken as the wisest man, Solomon was only the wisest during the generations closest to his own time (Angel, 2011). There is a distinct difference between Biblical wisdom and a person’s literal IQ. Angel (2011) describes this fact well by stating that biblical wisdom comes by the judgment of fairness and to live righteously (Angel, 2011). Proverbs 6:6-11 talks about the diligence of an ant storing its food for the winter (Proverbs, 6:6-11). This is just one of the many examples of the importance of diligence throughout the word. Laziness is spreading like a wildfire throughout our state, our nation, and our world. Scripture expresses the importance of not only working hard, but not being lazy in particular. “Do not be lazy but always work hard” (Romans 12:11, New Living Translation). Where there is laziness, diligence cannot live.
The heavily weighted importance of diligence and wisdom is seen throughout the books of the bible, with a centered focus from Solomon in the book of Proverbs. Where there is laziness, diligence cannot stand, and will not stand, it is not possible. In the same respect where there is diligence you will find wisdom, the two are equally related.

References
Angel, H. (2011). Cut the Baby in Half: Understanding Solomon’s Divinely-Inspired Wisdom. Jewish Bible Quarterly, 39(3), 189-194.
Hindson, Ed & Yates, Gary (2012). The Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey. B&H Publishing Group: Nashville, Tennessee.
Maller, A. S. (2011). Solomon: The Too Wise King. Jewish Bible Quarterly, 39(2), 91-94.