The Proverb Frye examines the role of the proverb in encapsulating wisdom and in preserving the status quo. In the Bible, wisdom and folly are both represented by a female figure. The figure of folly is described as being possessive as are those who delight in secret knowledge, while the figure of wisdom invites everyone to a communal feast to share her knowledge. The wise man does not attach himself to any one thing, including wisdom. The Book of Job deals with the limitations of wisdom and the need for prophecy.
Wisdom is aligned with the status quo, whereas prophecy rebels against it.
Job - Restored Humanity Job perceives the true origin of his predicament and sees a vision of the spiritual universe, unclouded by the material world. Job - The Question of Tragedy Frye describes the nature of tragedy and comedy as literary modes and in doing so comes to the conclusion that the Book of Job and the Bible in general have a narrative structure consistent with the comedic mode. What appear to be arguments in the Bible are actually proclamations or metaphorical habits of mind - a thinking in images. Almost every sentence in the Bible is intended, like an aphorism, to be brooded over and pondered not to be argued with. The Gospel reformulates the ten commandments in positive terms, e.g., for the preservation of life, the sharing of possessions, and the forgiveness of transgressions.