Bible crossword puzzle: Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Song of Songs

Word puzzle on the Old Testament

Draws on material in chapters 11 and 12 of Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese, a textbook for Introduction to Biblical Literature

Bible reading for this assignment: Job 1-7, 38, 40-42; Ecclesiastes 1-3, 12; Proverbs 1-8, 15, 31; Song of Solomon 1, 8

Challenge: Can you solve this puzzle even if you do not have the book by Varughese?

ACROSS

2 -- A Bible book that has "meaningless" or "vanity" for a keyword
3 -- A wealthy God-follower who lost all he had in a series of disasters that some of his friends said happened because he had sinned in some way

DOWN

1 -- The book with a long paragraph extolling the virtuous woman

This crossword puzzle was created for use in the course Introduction to Biblical Literature. The words and clues come from the textbook Discovering the Bible: Story and Faith of the Biblical Communities edited by Alex Varughese and published by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, now The Foundry Publishing.

-- Howard Culbertson.

Explanation of the Old Testament's "Wisdom Literature"

The Old Testament genre of wisdom literature encompasses several books. These include Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, and Song of Solomon. Wisdom literature is characterized by a focus on philosophical reflections, moral teachings, and practical advice for living a wise and righteous life.

Unlike historical narratives or prophetic writings, wisdom literature doesn't concern itself with recounting events or delivering prophecies. Instead, it explores the complexities of human existence, the nature of God, and the pursuit of wisdom. These books offer insights into the nature of virtue, the consequences of both wise and foolish actions, as well as the enigmatic realities of suffering and the human condition.

Through proverbial sayings, allegorical narratives, and reflective poetry, wisdom literature guides us toward understanding and living righteously in accordance with divine wisdom.