The African Influence of the Instruction of Amenemope on Biblical Proverbs

The Instruction of Amenemope (also known as Instructions of Amenemopet or Wisdom of Amenemopet) is a literary piece from Ancient Egypt, likely created during the Ramesside Period (around 1300–1075 BCE). This notable work is made up of thirty chapters filled with wisdom and advice for leading a successful life, supposedly penned by the scribe Amenemope son of Kanakht as a legacy for his son. It’s viewed as a prime example of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature and has drawn interest from modern scholars due to its similarities with the biblical Book of Proverbs.

Overview

Amenemope belongs to a genre known as “instruction” (Egyptian sebayt) and represents a culmination of knowledge that dates back to the Instruction of Ptahhotep from the Old Kingdom. It reflects a significant value shift seen during the New Kingdom’s “Age of Personal Piety,” moving the focus from material success achieved through actions to a more introspective pursuit of inner peace through patience and acceptance of divine will.

The author emphasizes principles of natural law and urges readers to protect vulnerable members of society, like the elderly, widows, and the poor. He highlights a contrast between the “silent man,” who humbly goes about his life without demanding attention, and the “heated man,” who creates trouble through his grievances. In a twist to worldly expectations, he suggests that the former will be blessed by the divine, while the latter will face destruction.

Amenemope advises on virtues such as modesty, self-control, generosity, and honesty while cautioning against pride, greed, and deceit—principles that align with the concept of Maat, representing cosmic order and harmony.

Witnesses and Publication

The most complete text of the Instruction of Amenemope is found in the British Museum Papyrus 10474, which was acquired in Thebes by E. A. Wallis Budge in early 1888. This papyrus is approximately 12 feet long and about 10 inches wide, featuring the hieratic text of the Instruction on one side and various lesser texts on the reverse, including a “Calendar of Lucky and Unlucky Days” and hymns.

In November 1888, Peter le Page Renouf, then Keeper of the Department of Oriental Antiquities at the British Museum, noted a “remarkable passage” from the papyrus in an unrelated article. However, the publication of the papyrus was delayed for over thirty years while Budge focused on other projects. It wasn’t until 1922 that Budge published a brief account of the text, followed by the full publication in 1923.

Since then, additional fragments of Amenemope have been discovered, expanding the scope of textual evidence. Unfortunately, these additional fragments are not substantial, leaving the British Museum papyrus as the primary witness.

Biblical Parallels

The influence of Egyptian thought on Israel and Judah was especially prominent during King Hezekiah’s reign, leading to a blending of their literary concepts. Amenemope is often highlighted as a prime example of this influence. Budge, early in his studies, recognized the similarities between Amenemope and biblical wisdom literature, particularly in his 1922 publication, and subsequent works elaborated on this connection.

Erman’s Perspective

Notably, Adolf Erman, a leading Egyptologist, published an extensive list of parallels between the texts of Amenemope and the Book of Proverbs in 1924, emphasizing how the former influenced the latter. For instance, he pointed out that the Hebrew text of Proverbs 22:20 could be understood better by referencing Amenemope, which explicitly lists its thirty chapters while Proverbs does not.

The Majority Position

Most scholars today agree that Amenemope predates and influenced Proverbs. Evidence for this includes the close literary ties between Amenemope and earlier Egyptian works and the unique character of its themes and language, typical of Egyptian literature. This consensus was strengthened by findings in the 1960s that supported Amenemope‘s priority.

The Minority Response

Some scholars, like R. N. Whybray, have questioned the relationship between Amenemope and Proverbs, suggesting that only a few topics overlap. Others, like John Ruffle, argue that the perceived similarities may arise from common literary practices rather than direct influence.

Comparison of Texts

Several excerpts from Amenemope can be closely compared with verses from the Book of Proverbs, showcasing the similarities in style and content. Here are a few notable parallels:

• (Proverbs 22:17–18): “Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thine heart to my doctrine; For it is pleasant if thou keep them in thy belly, that they may be established together upon thy lips.”
  

  (Amenemope, ch. 1): “Give thine ear, and hear what I say, And apply thine heart to apprehend; It is good for thee to place them in thine heart, let them rest in the casket of thy belly; That they may act as a peg upon thy tongue.”

• (Proverbs 22:22): “Rob not the poor, for he is poor, neither oppress the lowly in the gate.”
  

  (Amenemope, ch. 2): “Beware of robbing the poor, and oppressing the afflicted.”

• (Proverbs 23:9): “Speak not in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”
  

  (Amenemope, ch. 21): “Empty not thine inmost soul to everyone, nor spoil (thereby) thine influence.”

These comparisons illustrate the deep connections between the two works, reflecting shared cultural and philosophical ideas that resonate through centuries of literature.