Contributor: Rev. Anwar Tjen, Ph.D.

Editor: Vince Ellysabeth

The Bible is not a book that emerged in a historical vacuum. It is a collection of testimonies of faith from a people who wrestled with God within the social, political and cultural context of their time. In this process, the people of Israel did not live in isolation, but rather encountered, engaged in dialogue with, and learnt from the great civilisations around them. Egyptian and Arab wisdom are two of the ancient traditions of wisdom whose traces can be clearly traced in the biblical texts, particularly in the wisdom literature. This fact invites us to read the Bible not as a book exclusively belonging to one nation, but as a space for dialogue and open encounter in faith.

 

Israel as a ‘Young’ Nation Amidst Ancient Civilisations

From a chronological historical perspective, the nation of Israel is considered “young” compared to its neighbouring nations, particularly Egypt. Whilst Egypt had reached the height of its glory through its great dynasties (the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom), Israel had not even yet emerged as a political entity. The Bible itself records that the Israelites once lived as a community of slaves under Egyptian rule, particularly during the reign of Ramses II, who was known for his large-scale construction projects (Exodus 1). In this context, it is impossible to imagine that Israel did not absorb cultural elements, including the Egyptian tradition of wisdom, during its time in that land.

 

The Bible’s Acknowledgement of Egyptian Wisdom

The Bible does not conceal the fact that its principal figures came into direct contact with the Egyptian wisdom tradition. Acts 7:22 states that Moses was “educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians,” a testimony which confirms that Egyptian wisdom formed part of Moses’ intellectual and spiritual development. Similarly, in 1 Kings4:29–31, Solomon’s wisdom is explicitly compared with “the wisdom of the Egyptians” and “the surrounding nations”, which at that time were already recognised as superior traditions of wisdom. This statement does not negate Egyptian wisdom, but rather acknowledges its reputation in the ancient world.

 

The Book of Proverbs and Traces of the Instructions of Amenemope

The most concrete evidence of the influence of Egyptian wisdom in the Bible can be found in the Book of Proverbs. Many Old Testament scholars point to structural and thematic similarities between Proverbs 22:17–23:11 and the Instructions of Amenemope, an ancient Egyptian wisdom text. The Instructions of Amenemope consist of 30 sections, and interestingly, the corresponding passage in Proverbs can also be organised into 30 pieces of advice. This is reinforced by Proverbs 22:20, which in the Hebrew text uses a word that, depending on its vocalisation, can mean ‘first’ or ‘thirty’. Consequently, a number of modern translations, such as the English Standard Version and the New International Version, render it as “thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge.” This reconstruction is not mere speculation, but the result of sound philological and structural analysis.

 

Ethical Parallels between Proverbs and Egyptian Wisdom

The similarities between Proverbs and Egyptian wisdom are not limited to structure, but are also evident in their ethical content. Amenemope’s teachings emphasise the primacy of social justice, vigilance against the allure of wealth, and the protection of the vulnerable. These values are in line with the teachings of Proverbs. For example, the warning against moving the boundary stones of the poor (Amenemope 6) is consistent with Proverbs 23:10–11. The advice regarding the transience of wealth, which is “winged and flies away” (Proverbs 23:4–5), has a direct parallel with the metaphor of a flying bird in Egyptian wisdom. This parallel is too consistent to be regarded as mere coincidence.

 

Wisdom from Arabia: Agur and Lemuel of Masa

As well as Egypt, the Book of Proverbs also contains traces of wisdom from the Arabian region. Proverbs 30 and 31 mention the figures of Agur son of Yake and King Lemuel, who came from “Masa.” In Genesis 25:13–16, Masa is recorded as one of the descendants of Ishmael, who is traditionally associated with the Arab peoples. The fact that this wisdom from outside Israel was compiled and preserved in the Book of Proverbs demonstrates the openness of the Israelite tradition to non-Israelite wisdom. The editor of Proverbs did not exclude foreign sources, but rather assessed their content based on the depth of their wisdom.

 

A Prayer for Balance in Life and the Ethics of Power

Proverbs 30:7–9, Agur’s prayer, in which he asks not to be given either poverty or excessive wealth, is one of the most reflective wisdom texts in the Bible. This prayer reflects a spirituality of balance, a value that remains highly relevant across eras and cultures. Similarly, Lemuel’s mother’s counsel in Proverbs 31:1–9 highlights the ethics of power, self-restraint and justice for the oppressed. This wisdom demonstrates that ancient Arab wisdom also enriched Israel’s ethical reflections.

 

’Eshet Ḥayil: The Pinnacle of Wisdom and Appreciation for Women

Proverbs 31:10–31, an acrostic poem about ’eshet ḥayil (a woman of valour), is often regarded as one of the most beautiful wisdom texts in the Bible. The term ḥayil, which is usually associated with male courage and strength, is in fact used to describe a woman’s role. In the context of the patriarchal culture of the ancient world, this text is progressive and revolutionary. Its alphabetic structure—22 verses corresponding to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet—emphasises the completeness and fullness of a woman’s role in family and community life. Many scholars suggest that the style and tradition of this poem also have their roots in the ancient Arab world.

 

Conclusion

Traces of Egyptian and Arab wisdom in the Bible teach us that God’s truth is not confined to any single culture or ethnic identity. The God witnessed in the Bible is the Lord of the whole earth and all nations. Ancient Israel’s openness to foreign wisdom serves as a mirror for believers today to cultivate a faith that is dialogical, humble, and appreciative of local wisdom. Reading the Bible with this historical awareness helps believers to repent of an exclusive attitude and learn to view “the other” not as a threat, but as fellow seekers of wisdom in the presence of the one God.

 

This article is adapted from Bincang Alkitab. Watch the full video version on LAI’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/JWLp6nHcrHI?si=KsAmO4avSqYPy_Ip