Bible Class 10/16/25

Bible Class Week 9 PDF

SACRED SCRIPTURE CLASS

9th Lesson – 10/16/25

Poetic (or Wisdom) Literatures

Preamble

In this class, we will learn about the Poetic Books of the Old Testament. These books cover a wide range of topics that are applicable and helpful to every person and in every time.
Please kindly note that all notes received in our Bible Classes are the works of many authors who have a better understanding of the subjects than myself. Mostly, what I do is combine and synthesize different sources and then apply them to contexts that help everyone navigate the life situations around them.

The approach of our class is both academic and existential. My desire is that everyone who dedicates their time to seeking understanding of God’s Word receives reciprocal help from God to attend to their existential conditions.

Many times, 40% of the teachings and impact during the class (in-person) come from spontaneous examples and demonstrations that are not included in the notes. (Sorry if the notes look lengthy; it is because different helpful information is contained in every section.)

Read Them in the Holy Spirit

In every previous class, we have learned practical advice in studying Sacred Scripture. In this 9th class, this advice is placed in my heart to explain the role of the Holy Spirit in reading the Bible.
I begin with a citation:

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:104–105

Remember the three things that make light glow in a lamp:

Gasoline (or oil)
Wick
Lamp/glass bulb

Here we learn that the lamp will have no light without the Holy Spirit (Who is contextually discussed as oil). The wick is constantly trimmed. Thus, our cooperation is required in reading and applying the Word of God.
The Word of God is not downloaded into our mind by magic; one must take time to read it and apply faith to what is read. The written words are the lamp. The words written in the Bible can only glow when the oil is present and when the wick is worked upon.
Kindly remember this always: Invite the Holy Spirit before you start reading the Bible passage.Without the Holy Spirit, the hidden powers of the Word of God will not manifest.

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” (John 6:63)

Additionally, the blessings from reading the Word of God are not downloaded once; they increase as we read often.
(An aside: The primary intention of reading Sacred Scripture is to encounter Christ and develop intimacy with Him. Please see previous notes on this point.)

Section A: Helpful Kits for Today’s Class

The experiences of human suffering, tragedies, and hardships often prompt people to question the benevolence or existence of God—or even to give up attending Church activities.
One writer says:

“As to the age-old question why good people sometimes suffer, the book of Job reveals Satan may be the source of our woes, but we also learn that our adversary is tethered, and his attacks cannot exceed limits set by God.”

There are lessons on victories, success, goodness, pleasure, healing, deliverance, and wisdom. Oftentimes, these come after a period of trial and encourage us to consider that everything we go through is known by God. His Word is certain:

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:13

The Poetic Books offer models of prayerin various life situations. Praying them brings the same graces and effects they illustrate. The Lord Himself prayed the Psalms, showing that these books are revealed by God—not mere products of poetic imagination.

“My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22)

Thus, the Poetic Books are not just God’s power manifested for some people in the past; they bring corresponding effects to all who use them with faith in every age.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

When reading or praying them, we must go beyond seeing or feeling and believe what is being accomplished. There are solutions coded in the books; as one prays and reads, they are unraveled—just like how a capsule taken today may heal through a substance made months ago.
This helps those who find it boring to pray the Psalms. Even if we don’t see what they are addressing, they work invisibly—pouring grace, driving out darkness, protecting, enlightening, and strengthening us.
Recommended Psalms:

Psalm 91 — for protection and courage
Psalm 51 — when our conscience condemns us, followed by Confession to a priest

Section B: What Are the Poetic Books in the Bible?

The Poetic Books are writings characterized by their use of poetic language and structure. They offer some of the most beautiful and profound reflections on faith, wisdom, and human experience.

Characteristics

Rich poetic language (metaphors, similes, and imagery)
Use of parallelism—repetition or contrast of ideas in structured ways
Exploration of deep themes: faith, suffering, wisdom, love

Each book presents a unique perspective on the human journey with God.

The Major Poetic Books

Psalms — Songs and prayers expressing all human emotion, from joy to sorrow.
Proverbs — Practical wisdom for righteous living.
Job — Explores suffering and divine justice.
Ecclesiastes — Reflects on the meaning and vanity of life.
Song of Solomon — Celebrates love and beauty in human relationships.
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) — Offers ethical teachings and moral reflections.

Section C: Extended Summary from Other Writers

Job

Possibly the oldest book of the Bible, Job presents a cosmic view of good and evil. Job, a righteous man, loses everything yet remains faithful. The book teaches that Satan’s attacks are limited by God’s sovereignty.
Key Passage:“Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.”(Job 13:15)

Psalms

Often called God’s Hymnal, Psalms contain 150 poems spanning creation, praise, sin, forgiveness, and divine faithfulness.
Key Passage:“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”(Psalm 19:1)

Proverbs

Known as God’s Treasury of Wisdom, Proverbs covers nearly every topic in life—discipline, conduct, justice, relationships, and godliness.
Key Passage:“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”(Proverbs 1:7)

Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth)

Likely written by Solomon, it reveals the emptiness of worldly pursuits and calls for reverence toward God.
Key Passage:“Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.”(Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Song of Solomon

A lyrical celebration of love between a man and woman, symbolic also of divine love.
Key Passage:“He has brought me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.”(Song of Solomon 2:4)

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

A collection of moral teachings written by Yeshua ben Eleazar ben Sira around 180 BCE. Topics include creation, friendship, happiness, money, sin, and social justice.
Name Origin:
“Ecclesiasticus” means Church Book, as it was often read in early Christian worship.

Section D: The Kinds of Poetry in the Poetic Books

Hebrew poetry is built on conceptual rhythm rather than rhyme. The most important literary element is parallelism.

1. Synonymous Parallelism

The same thought is repeated or intensified.

“LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!” (Psalm 3:1)

“All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full…” (Ecclesiastes 1:7)

2. Antithetic Parallelism

Contrasting ideas placed side by side to highlight moral or spiritual lessons.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

“For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” (Psalm 1:6)

Section E: Theological Significance of the Poetic Books

These books demonstrate poetic brilliance while conveying deep theology that resonates with faith and life:

Worship and Praise: Psalms express devotion in every circumstance.
Wisdom and Instruction: Proverbs and Job emphasize trust in God’s sovereignty.
Existential Reflection: Ecclesiastes highlights the vanity of worldly pursuits.
Joy and Love: Song of Solomon honors the sacredness of love and union.

Section F: Conclusion and Summary

Job takes us to God’s throne room, Psalms brings us into His court of praise, Proverbs invites us to His classroom, Ecclesiastes warns against life without God, and Song of Solomon celebrates divine love.
Ignoring these poetic books would be a great loss. They offer timeless counsel, comfort, and insight, exploring suffering, worship, and godly living—all reminding us of God’s steadfast love and majesty.
Through their poetic beauty, they connect us to centuries of faith, inspiring us to think deeply about our beliefs and live with reverence and trust in God.

Citations and Sources

Would you like me to output this as a downloadable .docx or .pdf version for upload to your parish site?

Saint Cecelia Church

Roman Catholic Church