Significance of Torah in the Book of Proverbs: A Socio-Liberative Reading

Contents: Foreword. 1. General Introduction. 2. The History of Collection and the Stages of Development of Wisdom in the Context of the Book of Proverbs. 3. The Significance of Law in Ancient West Asian Wisdom Instruction and Its Relationship with the Book of Proverbs. 4. The Theological Significance of the Torah and Wisdom in the Post-Exilic Period. 5. The Vitality of Wisdom Instruction in the Book of Proverbs. 6. Instruction on Wealth and Poverty of the Righteous and the Wicked. 7. Instruction on Protection of the Disadvantaged in the Context of Oppressive Ruler. 8. General Conclusion. Bibliography.

Wisdom instruction in Proverbs interprets the Torah-values to confront injustice and the misuse of power in ancient Israel. The problem of human greed for power, privileges, and wealth earned by dishonest means are issues encountered by the Post-exilic Israel. The study employs socio-liberative reading guide us to understand how Torah can be understood from liberative perspective if justice, righteousness and the fear of the Lord is being realized. Such issues are relevant to contemporary society in the context of mishandling of power by the ruling elites that created conflict, discrimination and inequalities in society.