'Positive' wisdom literature

Proverbs is one example of positive wisdom literature.  In these writings we find the uncomplicated instruction that if you want to thrive in life, you should aim to be a fine individual. Accomplishment of your goals will follow. Proverbs educate the reader in simple terms that there is a comprehensible and obvious connection between present action and future results.  The principal objective of wisdom texts is therefore instructional, in that the writers seek to keep knowledge and insight alive from one generation to the next.  Wisdom can be seen as knowledge that is gained and conclusions reached by experience and observation.  Wisdom becomes an act to arrange these results from observation and experience into a whole, so that man can discover successful living in the world.  The instruction that the wise person adheres to, becomes the determining factor in the goal that will be reached and by living these rules practically and visibly, the next generation will have a clear view of practical wisdom by the example set by the previous generation.

Proverbs state that the knowledge of discovering successful living is considered of high value for those who manage to attain it as they are considered not only wise, but also righteous and principled.  This realization saves the wise from destruction, where the absence of such insight leads to loss and desolation.  The true value of wisdom is seen when it becomes apparent that this knowledge is the means by which God himself determines the limitations of his creation.  With God there has always been ultimate knowledge, certainly prior to the act of creation.  In the final analysis, wisdom is the order that passes through the entire universe.  One can then assume that knowledge is attained by the wise.  The wise has the ability to access this knowledge. Through observation and experience, the wise are able to experience the insight into wisdom. Wisdom can therefore be taught, one can be coached in wisdom and wisdom can be observed attentively. Individuals who defy wisdom teaching are not considered fools because of an intellectual deficit, but rather as a result of their rebellious attitudes and unwise choices that lead them to take conscious decisions that contravene the norms given by God.  They choose to serve their own ends (Pr 13:19, 14:16, and 15:20-21).  By acting in pride they not only damage and devastate their own lives, but often also the lives of people who come in contact with them (Pr 13:20, 18:6-7, 20:3, 27:3) .  Wisdom is found in the order of the universe and the wise can access the wisdom by submitting to this order.  In understanding the analogies that are provided in the Old Testament regarding wisdom, the reader can select behaviour that he has been guided or coached in and wise behaviour will produce the desired effect of successful day-to-day living.