Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs with Rev. Dr. Gary Torian

This week we cover a large section of material, which includes the final chapters of the Proverbs, and the entire books of Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs.

Proverbs

We conclude the sayings of Proverbs to begin the week. Most of the sayings are attributed to King Solomon, but there are sections of sayings, a part of the readings this week, that are attributed to “the Wise” (22:17-24:34), Agur (Ch. 30) and Lemuel (31:1-9). Proverbs concludes with the well-known Epilogue of “The Ideal Wife.”

The Introduction to Proverbs in the New International Version Study Bible reminds us that these sayings “drive home truth…to turn sinners from their wicked ways.” The sayings can be very direct, such as 25:16: “If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit” or 26:3: “A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools.” There are words that touch almost every aspect of life, from the king to the fool, from the rich to the poor, from the old to the young.  The sayings touch relationships, including many family situations.

There are verses that are the same as earlier sayings in the book, for instance 6:10-11 with 24:33-34, or 20:16 with 27:13. There are verses that are very similar—17:3 and 27:21 speak of the refining of silver and gold in connection with the testing of humans, or 19:1 and 28:6, (an example of the “better…than…” statements throughout Proverbs) that speak of righteousness and perversity. There are also contradictions, such as 26:4, which says, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly.…” and then 26:5 says, “Answer a fool according to his folly….”

All these word patterns are often present in wisdom literature.

 

Ecclesiastes

This is another collection of wisdom sayings often attributed to King Solomon, but many suggest that it comes from another person, who calls himself “Teacher.” Among the reasons suggesting another author are the style of Hebrew, and the attitude toward the king. The king is often portrayed as an oppressor, taking what he wants from the fields (5:8-9), and doing whatever he pleases (8:2-4).

Like Proverbs, there are the “better…than…” passages, for instance, 7:5 says, “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.” However, it is most noted for the repetitions of certain phrases, particularly the word “meaningless” in NIV or “Vanity” in KJV; this word occurs about 35 times in Ecclesiastes and only one other time in the Old Testament (Job 27:12). There are other phrases, such as “under the sun” and “under heaven,” both meaning on this world. The Hebrew word for God, Elohim, is used 30 times in the book, and Yahweh, the covenant name usually translated as “LORD,” never occurs.

With the repetition of the word “meaningless,” it is no surprise that the theme of Ecclesiastes is basically on the meaningless of life, unless our focus is on God. We toil; we try to achieve wisdom; we try to gain wealth. However, it all means nothing, for whether rich or poor, we are all going to die, or our heirs will just waste all that we have worked to gain. Being lazy and foolish is no better, for the same happens to them both. Take the blessings that God provides to us and enjoy them, especially in our youth. However, also remember that we will be judged by God. The only way to overcome meaninglessness is to know God fully, to make God the focus of our lives and to obey His commands.

 

Song of Songs

Perhaps the most unique writing in all of the Bible. It is, as the title indicates, a song rather than a book, and yet, it is considered part of the wisdom literature, which includes not only wisdom sayings, but also shows artistry, intimacy, and sensuality. It is a love song, dominated by the one who is the beloved, one who is, perhaps, the favored of the king, named as Solomon in the text.

Almost all commentaries point to 8:6-7 as the climax of the piece. These two verses contain four wisdom sayings—1) “for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave;” 2) “it burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame” (or, perhaps, “the very flame of Yahweh”); 3) Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away;” and 4) “If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” The first three talk of “marital love as the strongest, most unyielding and invincible force in human experience” (see the footnote on these verses in the NIV Study Bible). The fourth [declares] love’s unsurpassed worth (see footnote on 8:7, NIV Study Bible).

Though not explicitly stated, the song declares that love is a gift from God to humanity and this is the kind of love hoped for in all marital relationships.

 

Final Thoughts

We have passed the midpoint of the year, halfway through. Keep up the good work.