Was wisdom literature uncommon in most ancient cultures?

Wisdom literature was indeed common in many ancient cultures, making the assertion that it was widespread an accurate one. Across various civilizations, including those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and even within the Hebrew tradition, wisdom literature served to convey insights about life, ethics, and the nature of the divine. Texts such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes from the Old Testament are prime examples of how wisdom literature was utilized to articulate moral teachings and philosophical discourse.

In addition to the Hebrew Bible, there are numerous parallels found in other ancient texts, such as Egyptian wisdom literature (like "The Instruction of Ptahhotep" and "The Wisdom of Amenemope") and Mesopotamian writings (like the "Epic of Gilgamesh"). This illustrates that the pursuit of wisdom was a widespread endeavor across different cultures, highlighting a shared interest in understanding human existence and divine truths. Therefore, the presence of wisdom literature in various ancient societies underscores its significance as a literary and philosophical form rather than something that was uncommon or rare.