Proverbs 22:17-24:22 and Amenemope

This study shows that it is possible to use Egyptian wisdom literature to further the understanding of the Book of Proverbs. The 'Instruction of Amenemope' among Egyptian wisdom literature most closely approximates "The words of the Wise" in Prov. 22:17-24:22. With the parallels between the passage in Proverbs and Amenemope, this paper examines similarities and differences between biblical and non-biblical thought concerning how the ancients viewed their world. The affinities between the two illustrate the universality of man's thinking and his problems. The precepts and images are universally acceptable. Thus, the similarities reflect the theological conviction that God is the principle of all wisdom. The differences reveal that man's wisdom will never fully emulate the wisdom of God but instead will be a poor reflection. There is no direct mention of trust being in God in Amenemope, in which it differs from the Proverbs. The Proverbs is more practical than theological, but it has as a fundamental assumption that the fear of the Lord and trust in him pervades everything (22:22, 23).