A Teacher of Interpreting the Creator's Acts : An alternative to the hermeneutical paradigm in the second speech of Wisdom (Pro 8:1-31) An alternative to the hermeneutical paradigm in the second speech of Wisdom (Pro 8:1-31)
Abstract
The second speech of Wisdom develops the topics mentioned in Wisdom's first speech (Pro 1:20-33) and closely follows up on the first lesson given by the wise man (Pro 1:2-7). Typical attributes of her discourse include Wisdom's self-presentation (self-description) in the first person (referring to I), expressing herself using quite specific lists, called "catalogues" (the most extensive one is the catalogue of Wisdom's acts), reacting to the preceding direct speech to the son in Pro 1-7, and a message about the Creation with quite unique statements about the Lord.
Their list represents a catalogue of God's creative acts. It is an exceptional speech since it is uttered by a figure who reveals God's acts and interprets the Lord's actions from a direct witness' viewpoint (Wisdom is a female interpreter).
Wisdom's statements thus become authentic and very serious - not only for the values (value catalogue) presented, testified to and requested by Wisdom, but in particular for her way of interpreting the Creator's acts by drawing the listener or reader in the interpretation process, thus making them actively involved participants.