Welcome to our study of the Bible, God\u2019s 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\u2019t done that yet, I recommend going through them first so that you can follow along well for these next books.<\/p>\n
Today, we examine three of Solomon\u2019s works: Proverbs<\/strong>, Song of Songs<\/strong>, and Ecclesiastes<\/strong>. While Proverbs and Song of Songs were written earlier in Solomon\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u201331). 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.<\/p>\n God granted Solomon wisdom<\/em> when he could have asked for wealth or long life. Because he asked for wisdom to govern God\u2019s people justly, God gave him both wisdom and<\/em> wealth. (See 2 Chronicles 1:11\u201312 NIV<\/strong>) (Bible Hub<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 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).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Solomon had wisdom and very great insight, \u201cas numerous as the sand on the seashore.\u201d His wisdom surpassed that of all others in the East and Egypt. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n He composed 3,000 proverbs and about 1,005 songs; he spoke of trees, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. (Biblia<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Proverbs begins with the purpose of acquiring wisdom, discipline, understanding, justice, righteousness and fairness. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Godly Wisdom vs Worldly Wisdom<\/strong> The source of true knowledge<\/strong> Practical living<\/strong> 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 \u201cthe best.\u201d It depicts the stages of love: courtship, marriage, and mature love. There are also admonitions about waiting until the right time, purity, faithfulness.<\/p>\n Human romantic love is shown as good, beautiful, created by God. The Song does not<\/em> shy away from celebrating love, desire, physical beauty all within the context of committed relationship.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n1. Proverbs<\/h2>\n
What is it?<\/h3>\n
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Some highlights<\/h3>\n
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What do we learn from Proverbs?<\/h3>\n
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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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n2. Song of Songs (Song of Solomon)<\/h2>\n
What is it?<\/h3>\n
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What we can learn<\/h3>\n