In a world bombarded with information, what we long for is knowing how to live well-what the Bible calls wisdom.
Meditate on the Wisdom books of the Bible to hear the source of wisdom-the God who made us. In these meditations we will hear the established wisdom passed down from earlier generations. These nuggets of wisdom are found in the book of Proverbs. A proverb is a traditional saying, and as such, proverbs are didactic, optimistic, practical, and conservative.
Ecclesiastes contains a different kind of wisdom, built on the wisdom of Proverbs, but which asks what happens when proverbial wisdom fails. Ecclesiastes looks at the mysteries of life. It is reflective, speculative, pessimistic, and creative. It asks the hard questions, like how does life make sense? It explains that often, it doesn't. Plans fail. Fools triumph. We must trust God especially when things don't make sense.
That deeper spirituality is put to the test in Job. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." This is a repeated theme in Proverbs. Job experiences a deeper fear of the Lord, one based on trust alone. By meditating on the ordeals of Job, we are brought closer to a God we might not like and do not understand. The only God we have.
Meditating on these books will at times be a joy. At other times, meditation will be a challenge. Wisdom does not come easy. But it is a marvelous gift of God.
Gary Holloway is the past Executive Director of the World Convention of Churches of Christ. Prior to that, he taught spiritual formation at Lipscomb University in Nashville. Holding degrees from Freed-Hardeman, Harding, the University of Texas, and Emory University, Dr. Holloway
has written or edited over thirty books, including several volumes in the Meditative Commentary Series on the New Testament. He is married to Deb Rogers Holloway.
“Bible scholars have shown us the riches that can be gleaned from attending to the history, language, and culture through which Scripture came to us. But Christians have from the beginning listened to Scripture as a word from God that can transform us as we meditate on it—words that transcend their original time and place. Here is a commentary that invites you not to abandon study but to listen with your heart to the heart of God.”
—Randy Harris, Professor and Spiritual Director, Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry, Abilene Christian University; author of Living Jesus
“In the volume, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, Holloway draws the attention of the reader to the wisdom found in the biblical texts. He delineates the rich offerings of the wisdom literature and then leads the readers in an intimate foray into each text through the ancient practice of lectio divina. The readings and questions within this work offer a rhythm of daily immersion into the heart and soul of God.”
—Jackie Halstead, CEO, Selah Center for Spiritual Formation, and author of Leaning into God’s Embrace: A Guidebook for Contemplative Prayer
“In this book Gary Holloway ably merges his scholarly expertise with his love for congregational Bible study. He deftly introduces Protestant lay audiences to the practice of lectio divina, a reading approach to Scripture that quintessentially empowers its readers to hear God speaking meaningfully to them in their everyday lives and calling them to respond obediently in faith. Holloway helps modern believers engage the timeless lessons from the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament.”
—Rick R. Marrs, Professor of Religion, Pepperdine University
ISBN 9781684264322
Pages 144
Dimensions (inches) 6 x 9
Weight (pounds) .5
