Wisdom as a Hermeneutical Construct

Can wisdom be used as a Hermeneutical construct to bring about transformation?

The significance of contemporary life invites us to approach Christian theology to answer issues of life in a secular culture as well as in the church context and to redefine our presuppositions about the nature of theology as wisdom.

Wisdom interpretation of scripture can be defined as a methodology for exploring, engaging and distilling the scripture, as well as correlating the Bible with the inner and outer world of adherents. The idea of rereading scripture “in the Spirit” is a core practice of wisdom interpretation which accommodates biblical texts within the contingencies, complexities and traumas of life.

By rereading scripture and looking through the lens of wisdom interpretation, transformation can be achieved according to ebb and flow of life in the church and in the world. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”; therefore wisdom interpretation concentrates on God, his desire and love, so rereading scripture from fresh perspectives is a habit that needs to be schooled and practiced both in private contemplation and within the community of faith to bring transformation to the individual and cause transformation in the world.

By rereading the book of Job, as an example of wisdom interpretation, one can be inspired and discover transforming wisdom in the face of harsh realities and the reversal of the disappointment caused by the package of “traditional wisdom” offered by the friends of Job to desire, hope and intimacy with God, as well as fullness of life and the dignity of mankind. This scriptural reading, supervised by the Spirit and hermeneutical wisdom, paves the way for a new understanding by contemporary readers and revitalizes the Biblical texts as well as transforming the life of individuals and the body of Christ. Wisdom interpretation of scripture along with the Spirit guarantees that the Bible expresses its vocation which is bringing the transforming knowledge of God to the life of readers of the Word.