by Prisca | 29 June 2021 08:46 am06
Welcome to our study of the Bible, God’s Word the lamp that guides our feet and the light for our path. We have already looked at the first 20 books; if you haven’t done that yet, I recommend going through them first so that you can follow along well for these next books.
Today, we examine three of Solomon’s works: Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes. While Proverbs and Song of Songs were written earlier in Solomon’s life, Ecclesiastes was composed toward his old age. We will look at them one by one but I also encourage you to read them for yourself, and then follow this summary.
Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, mostly written by King Solomon in his youth, although some portions are from others (for example, Agur, and King Lemuel in Proverbs chapters 30–31). The sayings cover many aspects of life: children, youth, adults, the foolish and the wise, business, righteousness, wickedness, animals, even trees. Solomon uses these to teach Godly wisdom and practical living.
God granted Solomon wisdom when he could have asked for wealth or long life. Because he asked for wisdom to govern God’s people justly, God gave him both wisdom and wealth. (See 2 Chronicles 1:11–12 NIV) (Bible Hub)
Wisdom here means more than mere intelligence. It includes a heart of discernment, moral sensitivity, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong (especially to govern righteously).
Solomon had wisdom and very great insight, “as numerous as the sand on the seashore.” His wisdom surpassed that of all others in the East and Egypt. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com)
He composed 3,000 proverbs and about 1,005 songs; he spoke of trees, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. (Biblia)
Proverbs begins with the purpose of acquiring wisdom, discipline, understanding, justice, righteousness and fairness. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com)
Godly Wisdom vs Worldly Wisdom
Godly wisdom leads one to reverence God, to live morally, to seek justice, integrity, and righteousness. Worldly wisdom may help with material success business, reputation, comfort but on its own, without fear of the Lord, it can lead astray or be shallow.
The source of true knowledge
Proverbs repeatedly teaches that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7 NIV) and that wisdom comes from God. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com)
Practical living
The proverbs are practical: how to behave, how to avoid folly, how to treat others, how to use speech wisely, how to act in family, in community.
Song of Songs is poetry, a collection of love songs between a man and his beloved. It is deeply poetic, sensual and celebrates romantic love. Solomon wrote many songs (1,005) and among them this one is considered “the best.” It depicts the stages of love: courtship, marriage, and mature love. There are also admonitions about waiting until the right time, purity, faithfulness.
Human romantic love is shown as good, beautiful, created by God. The Song does not shy away from celebrating love, desire, physical beauty all within the context of committed relationship.
There is also spiritual imagery: the church is portrayed as bride, Christ as bridegroom in many New Testament passages (e.g. 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 21:9; John 3:29). Thus, the Song has both literal and symbolic dimensions.
Purity and self restraint before marriage
The text warns lovers not to stir up love (or awaken desire) before its proper time. (Song 2:7 NIV) (Theology of Work)
Love, mutual affection, commitment, beauty
Marital love should be mutual, joyful, tender. It is not meant to be “just romance” or lust but a covenant relationship full of respect and delight in the beloved.
Spiritual parallels
For believers, this book reminds us of our relationship with Christ. The longing, the attraction, the joy, the faithfulness between husband and wife reflect Christ’s love for the church.
Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s work in old age, reflecting on life from the vantage point of much experience. He has tried many things wisdom, business, pleasure, wealth and now he asks: what is the meaning, value, or benefit of all of this “under the sun” if it doesn’t have eternal purpose?
Solomon calls many things vanity (or “meaningless,” “fleeting,” “a chasing after wind”) when they are pursued apart from God or when considered in isolation. (See Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:11 NIV)
He acknowledges that wisdom is valuable but even wisdom, if not anchored in God, gives sorrow, because seeing things clearly makes one aware of the brokenness of the world.
The conclusion: fear God, keep His commandments. That is what truly matters, since God will judge all deeds, even secret ones. (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 NIV)
Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 12:13‑14 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” (NIV)
Wisdom matters true wisdom, the kind that comes from God, should be our pursuit (not just worldly success).
Life without God is empty even when outwardly successful. Assets, honours, power it’s all temporary if not connected with what is eternal.
Love and relationships matter they reflect both human good and divine truth. Faith, purity, respect, commitment are important.
Our life’s purpose centers on knowing God, obeying Him, and living in a way that honours Him, because ultimately we will give account.
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