Empowering the powerless: Wisdom in the twin tales of Esther and Job

According to the reading offered here, the narratives of Esther and Job reveal a shared understanding of power and wisdom viewed from different, mutually enlightening perspectives. The reading is based on two initial observations. First, the OT books of Esther and Job stand side by side in the Vulgate canon. This could be an editorial invitation to read them consecutively. Second, reading them in succession reveals fundamental contrasts, as statements in Esther seem to be countered in Job and vice versa. Yet, both Esther and Job are presented as pleasing to God. The narratives join hands in their understanding of power and wisdom: Power is an unavoidable menace but can be life-enhancing if adequately controlled by wisdom. This wisdom is beyond human understanding but can be accessed in practical terms. Wisdom empowers the powerless—be they orphaned little girls or grown-up men in dire straits.