Contrast With Greek Thought
Hebraic wisdom literature downplays the philosophical discussion on the basis of the moral life that was common in the Greek world at that time. In Hebrew wisdom literature, the standard of good and the reason for good conduct is existing law, custom, and individual eudaemonistics. Social philosophies developing concurrently in Greece, by contrast, encourage good behavior for the health of the state, families, or from fear of reprisal. While the wisdom books, particularly Ecclesiastes, note that punishment may follow from poor choices, the laws of goodness and rightness are God's and should be followed because they are ordained good by God. Wisdom is represented as the result of human reflection, and thus as the guide in all the affairs of life but predetermination of good remains God's prerogative (in Wisd. of Sol. and in parts of Prov. and Ecclus., but not in Eccles.). The wisdom texts emphasize human powers as bestowed directly by God; it is identified with the fear of God (Job 28:28; Prov. 1:7; Ecclus. 15:I ff.), an extension of which is obedience to the Jewish law (Ecclus. 24:23).
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