Dimensions of Justice in Some of the Biblical Wisdom Texts

Abstract

The contribution presents partial results of the research work on the biblical wisdom literature and highlights certain dimensions of justice, connected with Wisdom personified. Particular attention has been given to the development of the literary motif of the personification of wisdom in the texts considered and to the relationship between the wise and Wisdom. In biblical poetic literature, the literary motif of personified justice and the personification of other divine attributes in some cases overlap (Ps 85: 11-14). Based on the sources studied (especially the book of Proverbs, Sirach and the book of Wisdom), it is possible to notice that in the course of the development of the wisdom literature, the personified wisdom is gradually enriched by further theological and anthropological dimensions, assuming an increasingly inclusive character. Moreover, the centre of its representation and description tends to move progressively from the prevalent semantic field of justice to that of love, which corresponds to justice in its highest form.

Keywords

• personification of wisdom
• justice
• salvation
• mercy
• wisdom literature
• love