The first reading assigned to each day comes either from the New or Old Testament. After reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians for the past few weeks we turn back to the Old Testament — the Wisdom literature in particular. The Hebrew Bible is divided into three parts: the Torah (the law), the Prophets, and the Writings. The Christian Bible calls that last section “wisdom” since it reflects a Middle East tradition of instruction in how to live a good life. The Book of Proverbs, for example, is a series of aphorisms to guide daily living, kind of a “chicken soup for the soul” — ancient edition. Plot no evil against your neighbor, against one who lives at peace with you. Good advice even today.
