Hellenistic Instruction in Palestine and Egypt: Ben Sira and Papyrus Insinger

Abstract

AbstractBen Sira and the Demotic wisdom text Papyrus Insinger have numerous similarities. This is evident in terms of their practical instruction on topics such as shame, generosity, and moderation. They also have affinities regarding more speculative concerns, including theodicy and the nature of the cosmos. These affinities can often be attributed to the fact that each work draws on the native wisdom traditions of its own country, and there are broad similarities between the traditional wisdom of Israel and Egypt. Some of the points of contact between Ben Sira and Papyrus Insinger also reflect intellectual trends of the Hellenistic age.