(Double Majors - A)
Introduction to Wisdom Literature: Proverbs; The Book of Ecclesiastes
Week 7, April 4, 2008
Please read all of our Bible readings at:
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible
Reminders:
1 Although our class will not meet formally on Wednesday, April 9, our lesson for Week 8 will be put on our class website. Be sure to study the assigned readings and complete any other assignments.
2. Our next quiz will be given on Wednesday, April 30.
Wisdom Literature:
A. Proverbs
Proverbs in the Bible is a collection of proverbs from various times and places. Each of them had been found helpful in guiding persons, especially young persons, to speak and act in a wise manner, rather than thoughtlessly or foolishly.
The young person was being trained in self discipline and virtue, as well as in exercising their mental faculties. Some of the proverbs were a kind of riddle or puzzle which had to be solved mentally in order to be understood.
The young person, when presented with a proverb, for example, was encouraged to reflect on that proverb as well as his/her own life experiences, and then to decide whether to adopt it or not in directing his or her own life.
Scholars today divide the proverbs into categories such as the following:
a. A Biblical proverb is composed of a unit which has two parts, and the second part is the opposite of the first part. Examples of this kind of proverb are:
Proverbs 11:1
Proverbs 11:26
Proverbs 14:5
b. A second kind of proverb is one that gives advice. Examples include:
Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 20:22
c. A third kind of proverb is called a simile. In comparing two things on two different levels, it remarks that this particular thing is like that thing. Examples of a simile are:
Proverbs 11:22
Proverbs 26:17
d. A fourth kind of proverb always gives a number; it is a list of three or more things that have one particular trait in common. Examples include:
Proverbs 30:29-31
Proverbs 30:24-28
e. In some of the proverbs, wisdom is given human traits, especially the traits of a woman. We call this the personification of wisdom. Examples are:
Proverbs 8:1-6
Proverbs 8:22-31
f. Some proverbs praise the wife and mother of the family for her capability and for her virtue. A beautiful tribute of praise of the wife and mother is given in:
Proverbs 31:10-31
g. A very complex kind of proverb is an acrostic poem. The rules for this poem are that each line of the poem must begin with the next letter of the alphabet. The first line must begin with the letter A, for example. The second line must begin with B. The third line must begin with C, and so on through the alphabet. Of course, it follows the Hebrew alphabet, not the abcs as we know them. And the entire poem must also be useful as a guide toward a virtuous life.
PART 2: THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES
The Book of Ecclesiastes tells the thoughts of the philosopher, Qoheleth.
Qoheleth had observed life around him for many years. He had also paid attention to his own feelings, likes and dislikes, desires, and satisfactions. He then formed conclusions from his observations and they are what we are reflecting on this week. Read:
Ecclesiastes, chapters 1 and 2.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A very famous quotation from Qoheleth is found in:
Ecclesiastes 1:2.
Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!
After he states this conclusion, Qoheleth goes on to explain his many observations that lead him to make this conclusion.
Read the rest of chapters 1 and 2 from Ecclesiastes.
There is another very well known quotation from the Book of Ecclesiastes; it is about purpose and the use of time. Read:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
The Bible as Literature DM-A April 2008 Wisdom Literature
Class __________ Name (English) _______________ Group _______
Part 1: Proverbs
Directions: Tell to which category below you think each of the proverbs would belong to:
a. Biblical proverb
b. advice
c. simile
d. number
e. Personification of Wisdom
1. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they know not on what they stumble. But the path of the just is like shining light, that grows in brilliance till perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18-19)
2. The fruit of virtue is a tree of life, but violence takes lives away. (Prov. 11:30)
3. There are six things the Lord hates; yes, seven are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; a heart that plots wicked schemes; feet that run swiftly to evil; the false witness who utters lies; and he who sows discord among brothers. (Prov 6:16-19)
4. Hear, my son, the instructions of your father, and do not reject the teaching of your mother. A graceful diadem they will be for your head; a torque for your neck. (Prov 1:8-9)
5. Before the mountains were settled into place; before the hills, I (Wisdom) was brought forth . . . . When he established the heavens I was there . . . . When he made firm the skies above . . . . when he set for the sea its limit . . . . Then I was beside him . . . . (Prov 8:25 ff.)
6. Proverbs 31:10-31 is praise of the capable wife. The wife is praised because she brings her husband good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She rises early in the morning to care for her family. She shares what she has with others, and speaks with wisdom and kindness. Her children and husband praise her; she deserves a reward for all she does.
Write your thoughts about a good wife and mother.
Part 2: The Book of Ecclesiastes
1. What is the name of the philosopher in the Book of Ecclesiastes?
2. The philosopher said: Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!
What are your thoughts about this subject? Do you agree or disagree with the philosopher? Support your answer with your reasoning.
3. The philosopher questions whether a man has any profit at all from all his labors.
You have labored much for many years. What do you think about this?
4. The philosopher amassed for himself silver and gold and much wealth. All his belongings gave him happiness, until he thought about what would become of all these things in the future.
What are your thoughts about all the material goods that you own?
5. Did you ever think that there is a special time for each thing to be done? For example, perhaps there is a time to study, and also a time to not study. What are your thoughts about the use of your time?
