"To understand a proverb and a figure"1 is part of the vision of life in the book of Proverbs. The pearls of wisdom within are quite similar to many found in the Odyssey. The emphasis on virtue is the same in both books; Odysseus and Telemachus illustrate the striving after virtue. However, as the Greeks view their gods differently than the Jews do God, these books diverge in some ways. The approach to life differs, but the search for happiness is the same.
The many proverbs found in Proverbs can also be found in the Odyssey in many forms. Virtue can be practiced or it can be seen in the failure to practice it; wisdom can be demonstrated through interactions or simply spoken outright. The search for happiness is the same for everyone and this search demonstrates that …show more content…
Proverbs warns multiple times of the dangers of the harlot and loose women, warning that "her house sinks down to death and her paths to the shades; none who go to her come back nor do they regain the paths of life."4 Odysseus enjoys two respites during his journey; first with Circe and then with Calypso. These two infidelities do not lead to death for him, rather they serve to help him. Circe advises him on what he is to do next in his journey and what he must do upon his return to Ithaca. Calypso "sang that he should not die nor grow old, ever, in all the days to come" (V: 142-143). This youthfulness aids Odysseus in his fight in Ithaca and in the discus in Phaeacia enabling him to finally reach home after two decades.
Proverbs and the Odyssey agree in many parts about the vision of happiness and the good life, especially in the virtues of prudence and hospitality. They differ in regards to women; this may be explained by the fact that Proverbs did not know immortal goddesses to exist. This difference is reflected in the lives of an Old Testament Jew to a
The many proverbs found in Proverbs can also be found in the Odyssey in many forms. Virtue can be practiced or it can be seen in the failure to practice it; wisdom can be demonstrated through interactions or simply spoken outright. The search for happiness is the same for everyone and this search demonstrates that …show more content…
Proverbs warns multiple times of the dangers of the harlot and loose women, warning that "her house sinks down to death and her paths to the shades; none who go to her come back nor do they regain the paths of life."4 Odysseus enjoys two respites during his journey; first with Circe and then with Calypso. These two infidelities do not lead to death for him, rather they serve to help him. Circe advises him on what he is to do next in his journey and what he must do upon his return to Ithaca. Calypso "sang that he should not die nor grow old, ever, in all the days to come" (V: 142-143). This youthfulness aids Odysseus in his fight in Ithaca and in the discus in Phaeacia enabling him to finally reach home after two decades.
Proverbs and the Odyssey agree in many parts about the vision of happiness and the good life, especially in the virtues of prudence and hospitality. They differ in regards to women; this may be explained by the fact that Proverbs did not know immortal goddesses to exist. This difference is reflected in the lives of an Old Testament Jew to a