Old Testament # 31
“Happy Is the Man That Findeth Wisdom”
Proverbs; Ecclesiastes
Introduction
Trying to encompass the whole of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in one blog entry and even one lesson is a pretty daunting task. So much of both is familiar to the world at large since these aphorisms have crept into our everyday language. But maybe we should first determine the overall message. I feel bad that Kara has again drawn the short straw as it were: first getting to teach the whole of Psalms in one lesson, and now both Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. But her insights are always unique and informative, so I look forward to learning from her next Sunday.
These two books form part of what is known as Wisdom Literature, consisting of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Book of Wisdom, the Song of Songs (Song of Solomon), and Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)[1]Ecclesiastes is a translation of the Hebrew Qohelet, or Preacher. It might be a collection of Solomon’s writings. In the same way as the Book of Psalms is generally attributed to David, but obviously some of them were not written by him, the Book of Proverbs is generally attributed to Solomon.
I have appended a video probably intended for the youth, but nevertheless containing a good message about Proverbs 3:5–6 which are verses we know only too well I think. I have a friend who also teaches Gospel Doctrine in his ward, and he told me that they got into a fairly lively discussion about what it meant to seek for confirmation of what our leaders tell us. One side said we had to question everything, the other said that we should accept without questioning. These verses from Proverbs, I think, answer that possible dilemma. It appears to be a question of doubt. There is nothing wrong with seeking confirmation, what we shouldn’t do is doubt; we should trust.
On the face of it, both Proverbs and Ecclesiastes seem to be a bit downhearted—more a case of “what I wish I had known.” But in passing on this wisdom, these two books can help us overcome our own weaknesses and see things in an eternal perspective.
The manual divides these two books into seven subjects: Wisdom; Trust; The Words we Speak; Pride; Friendship; Raising Children; Happiness and Good Humor.
We mentioned last Sunday in Relief Society Bishop Caussé’s conference talk “It’s All About People.” One paragraph particularly had our attention:
My dear brothers and sisters, are we active in the gospel, or are we merely busy in the Church? The key is to follow the example of the Savior in all things. If we do that, we will naturally focus on saving individuals rather than performing tasks and implementing programs. [2]
The verses I think of most from these two books of scripture are:
· Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5–7)
This is probably my favorite, although I usually leave off the last sentence. From now on, I think I will include it when I recite it to myself.
· A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1)
There comes a time in any argument when you have the chance to jump in feet first, or step back and give a calming “soft answer.” This verse has helped me with that several times.
· The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility (Proverbs 13:33)
In this case, I think that fearmeans respect for, following, a desire to do His will.
· Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
I hadn’t really taken notice of this one before, but given that I perceive myself of being perfectly capable of doing anything without any help from others (and often seeing the error of that perception), I realize that it is good to need others and to be someone others can get help from.
If we follow a few of the aphorisms, seeing them through the lens of the eternal gospel, I think that we will have the help we need to effectively minister to those around us, overcome our weaknesses, and every day step farther on the path that leads by the iron rod.
Additional Material
[1]The Wisdom of Ben Sirach is found in the Catholic Bible, but is not part of the Protestant of Jewish canon.
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