The Call and Personification of Wisdom

Primary Biblical Texts

• The Bible (Primary Source)
  Proverbs 1-9 – Core chapters for the study, focusing on the call to wisdom, its personification, and its contrast with folly.

Supporting Scriptures

• Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom.
• Proverbs 8:22-31 – The eternal nature of wisdom and its connection to creation.
• I Corinthians 1:24 – Christ as the wisdom of God.
• John 1:1-3 – The Word (Christ) as eternal wisdom.

Commentaries on Proverbs

• "Proverbs" (The NIV Application Commentary) by Paul Koptak
  Detailed exposition of themes such as wisdom's invitation, the personification of wisdom, and the consequences of folly.
• "Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary" (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary) by Derek Kidner
  Explains the poetic structure and theological significance of Proverbs 1–9.
• "How to Read Proverbs" by Tremper Longman III
  Practical insights into interpreting Proverbs as both ancient wisdom and relevant for modern life.

Books on Old Testament Wisdom Literature

• "Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction" by James L. Crenshaw
  An overview of wisdom literature, including the theological and practical dimensions of Proverbs.
• "The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes" by Derek Kidner
  Comparative insights into the role of wisdom in the Old Testament.
• "Jewish Wisdom in the Hellenistic Age" by James Kugel
  A broader look at the development and significance of Jewish wisdom traditions.

Study Bibles for Notes and Context

• The ESV Study Bible
  Offers in-depth notes on Proverbs 1-9, focusing on the literary features and theological themes.
• The NIV Study Bible
  Explains cultural and historical contexts, emphasizing the contrast between wisdom and folly.
• The MacArthur Study Bible
  Provides theological insights and practical applications of wisdom's teachings.

Online Resources

• BibleGateway (www.biblegateway.com)
  For comparing translations and exploring cross-references throughout Proverbs.
• Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org)
  For studying Hebrew terms like "wisdom" (ḥokmâ) and "fear of the Lord" (yir'at YHWH).
• The Bible Project (www.bibleproject.com)
  Videos and articles unpacking the themes and structure of Proverbs 1-9.

Articles and Sermons

• "Wisdom Cries Out" (Desiring God Article) by John Piper
  Insights into the call of wisdom in Proverbs 1 and its practical implications.
• Sermon on Proverbs 8: Christ as Wisdom (Tim Keller)
  The connection between the personification of wisdom and Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment.
• Charles Spurgeon's Sermons on Proverbs
  Reflections on themes such as trusting in the Lord and choosing the path of wisdom.