Jacqui: 0:01

Greetings listeners. Have you ever read a piece of advice that gave you clarity, or a poem that stirred something deep in your soul? The Bible is filled with writings like these timeless wisdom and beautiful poetry that guide our lives and connect us to God. In this two-part episode, we'll explore these two powerful genres. In part one, we'll introduce biblical wisdom and biblical poetry, uncovering their unique purposes and how they enrich our understanding of scripture. Then, in part two, we'll continue the journey, digging deeper into how each speaks to our hearts and minds and how we can engage with them in meaningful ways. Well, welcome everyone. I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole, and this is the Bible Basics Podcast, where, weekly, we break down the basics of the Bible into understandable, bite-sized chunks.

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The Bible isn't just a book of rules or stories. It's also a library of wisdom and poetry designed to guide us, challenge us and inspire us. These writings don't just teach us facts. They speak to our hearts and souls. Today, we'll start with the question what exactly is wisdom literature and what makes biblical poetry so powerful, biblical poetry so powerful? Let's start with wisdom literature. Imagine sitting down with a mentor, someone who's seen it all and offers you guidance on how to live well, avoid pitfalls and even make sense of life's toughest moments. For example, a friend of mine shared that reading Proverbs during a tough season helped her see the importance of patience. One verse Proverbs 15: 1, a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. That taught her to handle conflict differently, and it worked. That's exactly what God's wisdom literature does for us in the Bible. It's full of practical advice and deep reflections that speak to our daily lives and biggest questions.

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The Bible's wisdom books include Proverbs. Think of Proverbs like a collection of bite-sized life lessons, teaching us how to make wise decisions and live with integrity. For example, proverbs 16.24 says Gracious words are a honeycomb sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Imagine how a kind word can brighten someone's day or ease a tense moment. This verse reminds us of the lasting impact of speaking with grace. Then there's Ecclesiastes. This book dives into the meaning of life, especially in those moments when life feels fleeting or frustrating. Imagine someone asking what's the point of all of this. Ecclesiastes asks that question and points us back to God for the answer. Job invites us to wrestle with suffering and God's justice. If you've ever asked why do bad things happen to good people? You're not alone. Job asked the same thing thousands of years ago. Why Then we have Song of Solomon, a poetic celebration of love, intimacy and relationships. This book reminds us of the beauty of human connection.

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And then there are the Psalms. They're often called wisdom Psalms, which reflect on life's challenges and how to live faithfully. Consider Psalm 1, for example. It compares a righteous person to a tree planted by streams of water, strong rooted and flourishing, no matter what the season. Picture that tree standing tall and steady through storms, droughts and sunshine. That's the kind of life God wants for us when we follow his wisdom.

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So now that we know which books of the Bible mentor us and give us practical advice, let's dig deeper into the different types of wisdom they offer. We'll notice that biblical wisdom comes in two main types proverbial wisdom and speculative wisdom. Let's break those down. Let's break those down.

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Proverbial wisdom is the kind of wisdom you'll find in Proverbs Short, practical sayings that teach us how to live a good life. Think of them as nuggets of advice you can apply immediately, like work hard, be disciplined and treat others kindly. For example, Proverbs 3: 5-6 says have you ever faced a decision where you felt stuck, unsure of what to do. This verse encourages us to rely on God's wisdom, not just our own instincts. And then there's speculative wisdom. This speculative wisdom takes us deeper. It wrestles with life's hardest questions why do we suffer? What is the meaning of life? You'll find this type of wisdom in books like Job and Ecclesiastes. Take Ecclesiastes, for example. Its author explores life's fleeting nature, saying meaningless, meaningless. Everything is meaningless. That's Ecclesiastes 1:2. But the book ultimately reminds us that life has meaning when we trust in God. It's honest, raw and perfect. For those moments when you're searching for answers.

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One of the most unique things about wisdom literature is how personal it is. While other parts of the Bible focus on Israel's history, laws or major events, wisdom literature zooms in on individual lives, on the choices we make, the struggles we face and the relationships we build. Have you ever wrestled with questions about your career, relationships or faith? Wisdom literature meets you there, offering guidance and encouragement for the everyday challenges we face. That's why these books feel so relatable. They were written thousands of years ago, yet their timeless truths still help us navigate the highs and lows of our own life. There is nothing like being mentored at the feet of the wisdom scriptures. Now that we've explored wisdom literature, the two types, proverbial and speculative.

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Let's turn to biblical poetry. This genre doesn't just teach us, it moves us, speaking to our hearts in ways words alone can't. Now, when it comes to poetry, if you're thinking about rhyming words or flowery language, think again. Poetry in the Bible is much more than that. It's a powerful way to communicate truth, stir emotions and connect us with God.

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Biblical poetry has some unique features that make it stand out. One hallmark of biblical poetry is parallelism, repeating or mirroring ideas to drive a point home. For example, Job 28: 24 says for he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. The second line doesn't just repeat the first, it expands on it, emphasizing God's all-encompassing vision and knowledge. It's like saying God doesn't just see far, he sees everything. Biblical poetry is also full of imagery, painting pictures with words to stir your imagination and emotions. Think of Psalm 42: 1. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Can you just picture a thirsty deer desperately seeking water? The image captures the deep, unrelenting longing we feel for God in our driest moments. It's not just an idea, it's a feeling.

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Biblical poetry often uses metaphor and simile to draw comparisons that help us understand big truths in relatable ways. Proverbs 18:10 says that. Help us understand big truths in relatable ways. Proverbs 18:10 says the name of the Lord is a fortified tower. The righteous run to it and are safe here. God's name is compared to a strong tower, a place of protection and refuge. Imagine being in a storm and finding shelter in a fortress. That's the kind of safety and security we find in God.

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So why does poetry play such an important role in scripture? Let's talk about why poetry matters and how it moves us in ways that other forms of writing can't. What makes biblical poetry so special is its ability to connect your mind and heart. It doesn't just tell you truth, it helps you feel it. It lingers with you like a melody you can't forget. Whether it's longing, safety or awe, poetry communicate these truths in a way that's deeply personal and unforgettable. I trust you enjoyed learning how wisdom in scripture serves as a mentor, guiding us to live in alignment with God's will, and how poetry draws us into his heart through vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions. In part two of this episode we'll continue exploring how God uses these genres to reveal his character, shape our faith and invite us into a deeper relationship with him. Until then, keep reading, keep seeking and keep growing in your faith, growing in your faith. Thank you so much for listening so that we can spread God's word further. Please share, like, follow and subscribe.