Hebrew Wisdom Theme In The Book Of Ecclesiastes
Hebrew Wisdom Literature-Assessment: Final Paper
Wanda H
Book of Ecclesiastes
The theme in the book of Ecclesiastes is to live under God 's commandments but to also enjoy life. Also, Ecclesiastes makes a point to tell readers that we should fear God - that is, respect and honor Him.
Solomon searched for satisfaction almost as though he was conducting a scientific experiment. Through this process, he discovered that life without God is a long and fruitless search for enjoyment, meaning, and fulfillment. True happiness is not in our power to attain because we always want more than we can have. In addition, there are circumstances beyond our control that can snatch away our possessions or attainments.
Solomon shows how empty it is to pursue the pleasures that this life has to offer rather than seek to have a relationship with the eternal God. Ecclesiastes has much to do with the focus and quality of life that spiritual fruit springs from. Ecclesiastes is not an easy book to grasp except at its very lowest level and that level occurs when we break it into isolated verses or a series of isolated thoughts in the same manner as we commonly do with Proverbs. But brethren, Ecclesiastes is a far different work than Proverbs.
Though both …show more content…
books are considered wisdom literature, their roles are far different. Ecclesiastes can most certainly be used in the same manner as Proverbs by breaking it into small pieces but it is far more complex than Proverbs; even though the reality it is addressing is actually fewer in terms of major thoughts. It requires a great deal more sustained, thoughtful meditation to get the abundant, spiritual meat this book has for all of us regardless of how long we have been converted.
What is Ecclesiastes purpose in God’s plan? How does it apply to us? As we begin, I am going to lay a foundation that I hope will be clear in the end. And brethren, I have no idea when the end is going to be. It will not be at the Feast of Tabernacles because there is so much in this book it is incredible. And yet, it is one we hardly ever pay any attention to except for isolated verses every once in a while. This book was written specifically for the sons of God, for His children in the faith, and it has a very urgent message for every one of us.
Ecclesiastes makes clear to the sons of God that there are specific choices to be made in life if one is serious about being in God’s Kingdom. I will be blunt. In life’s choices regarding being prepared it is either God’s way or the world’s. It is one or the other. It is either God’s way or man’s. It is either the way of faith or the way of sight.
We are going to follow the clear delineations in this book if we are wise. The more we choose the world’s way, the more meaningless life becomes both in qualities as lived now, and in quality of the finished product when death arrives and our judgment by God is concluded.
Book of Job
Job’s friends were certain that they were correct in their judgment of him. God rebuked them for their pride and arrogance. Human wisdom is always partial and temporary, so undue pride in our own conclusions is sin.
God alone knew the purpose behind Job’s suffering, and yet he never explained it to Job. In spite of this, Job never gave up on God—even in the midst of suffering. He never placed his hope in his experience, his wisdom, his friends, or his wealth. Job focused on God.
We must be careful not to judge others who are suffering. We may be demonstrating the sin of pride. We must be cautious in maintaining the certainty of our own conclusions about how God treats us. When we congratulate ourselves for being right, we become proud.
Job showed the kind of trust we are to have. When everything is stripped away, we are to recognize that God is all we ever really had. We should not demand that God explain everything. God gives us himself, but not all the details of his plans. We must remember that this life, with all its pain, is not our final destiny.
God alone knew the purpose behind Job’s suffering, and yet he never explained it to Job. In spite of this, Job never gave up on God—even in the midst of suffering. He never placed his hope in his experience, his wisdom, his friends, or his wealth. Job focused on God.
The book of Job is perfect example that suffering is not always a result of sin. This author expressed how Job shuns from evil. Job exemplified how much he loved and trusted God to the highest. He never blamed God for his suffering; however, he could not understand why God did not immediately come to his rescue. There was no mention of how long Job went through his test and suffering, but he presents to us a great deal of patience.
Job’s suffering was so intense that he cursed the day he was born. Three of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to visit him. At first they silently grieved with Job. But when they began to talk about the reasons for Job’s tragedies, they told him that sin had caused his suffering. They told him to confess his sins and turn back to God. But Job maintained his innocence.
God allowed his friends to speak and accuse Job. Unable to convince Job of his sin, the three men fell silent. At this point, another voice—the young Elihu—entered the debate. Although his argument also failed to convince Job, it prepared the way for God to speak.
Finally, God spoke out of a mighty storm. Confronted with the great power and majesty of God, Job fell in humble reverence before him—speechless. God rebuked Job’s friends (and Job), and the drama ended with Job restored to happiness and wealth.
It is easy to think that we have all the answers. In reality, only God knows exactly why events unfold as they do, and we must submit to him as our Sovereign.
As I experience trials and tests, I think about the book of Job and realize my relationship with God and my faith needs to go to another level. I am constantly examining myself with prayer to see if I am reaping or sowing. When I ask about reaping, I am asking if I have done something to reap what I am experiencing. If I am sowing, help me to sow the right seeds and go through with the grace of God so that I can help somebody through the same situation.
Exercising patience and faith in trials and tests are easier said than done. It is an opportunity to focus on the one and only Source, our Father God to build our character and trust in Him. I believe Job’s story is to warn us not to be disturbed by the trouble and suffering in your own life, or by that which we see in the lives of many godly people around us. We can be very sure that God has a divine purpose behind every trial, behind every single suffering we are enduring right now!
"Fear of the LORD,"
Ecclesiastes is more than just a grouping of negative, fatalistic proverbs; this book represents the wisdom of the Hebrews. It shows the honest assessment of a life lived for one 's own pleasure and profit, without a living, vibrant knowledge of God, and bound by the confinement of the grave. With such a perspective, there will naturally be a pessimistic and painful tone in the reading. The conclusion of such an observation? "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" (Ecc. 12:13-14). Ultimately, the wisdom of the Hebrews again points to the sovereignty of God to bring about justice and judgment. In light of His underlying presence in the affairs of all human life, the best thing to do is to revere and obey Him, leaving the rest to his discernment. Because the Hebrew people did not put much thought into an afterlife at this time in their history, this answer was as good as the revelation of God 's grace could give them for the moment. Similar to the book of Job, Ecclesiastes resolves itself to the mighty hand of the Lord with unpretentious faith in His power and goodness. Evil may exist, inequity may abound, but in the end God still has the last word.
Because God is the only one who knows where wisdom is, and thus how to find it, the essential definition of wisdom is that it is the "fear of the Lord." In fact, this theme that the quest for wisdom has its starting point in the "fear of the Lord" permeates wisdom literature. 3 times the book of Proverbs makes statements to the effect that, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." In fact, some of the 11 other times the phrase "the fear of the Lord" occurs in Proverbs use that phrase as a synonym of wisdom, so that to have fear for the Lord produces the same effects as searching for wisdom and knowledge.
Proverbs
The three characteristics of Proverbs are knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Knowledge is good, but a vast difference stands between “knowledge” (having the facts) and “wisdom” (applying those facts to life). We may amass knowledge, but without wisdom our knowledge is useless. We must learn how to live out what we know.
The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, left us a legacy of written wisdom in three volumes—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. In these books, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he gives practical insights and guidelines for life. In the first of these three volumes, Solomon passes on his practical advice in the form of proverbs. A proverb is a short, concise sentence that conveys moral truth. The book of Proverbs is a collection of these wise statements. The main theme of Proverbs, as we might expect, is the nature of true wisdom. Solomon writes, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (1:7). He then proceeds to give hundreds of practical examples of how to live according to godly wisdom.
Proverbs 16:7-12: "When the ways of people please the LORD, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them. Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice. The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps. Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness." I strive to live each day to please the Lord. I see how he causes my enemies to be at peace with me, even if they just have to flee from my presence. We want other people to like us, and sometimes we will do almost anything to win their approval. But God tells us to put our energy into pleasing him instead. Our effort to be peacemakers will usually make us more attractive to those around us, even our enemies. But even if it doesn’t, we haven’t lost anything. We are still pleasing God, the only one who truly matters. Whether we buy or sell, make a product or offer a service, we know what is honest and what is dishonest. Sometimes we feel pressure to be dishonest in order to advance ourselves or gain more profit. But if we want to obey God, there is no middle ground: God demands honesty in every business transaction. No amount of rationalizing can cover for a dishonest business practice. Honesty and fairness are not always easy, but they are what God demands. Ask him for discernment and courage to be consistently honest and fair.
Classification of Psalms
Psalms 13 is classified as a Lament psalms type. The Lament type is the prayers for God’s deliverance and for comfort when everything seems to be going wrong. This is also considered the complaints of the individual. This psalm is the deserted soul’s case and cure. Whether it was penned upon any particular occasion does not appear, but in general, I. David sadly complains that God had long withdrawn from him and delayed to relieve him, Ps. 13:1, 2. II. He earnestly prays to God to consider his case and comfort him, Ps. 13:3, 4. He assures himself of an answer of peace, and therefore concludes the psalm with joy and triumph, because he concludes his deliverance to be as good as wrought, Psalm 13:5, 6.
Psalms 112 is classified as Intercessional and Didactic types. This type is intended to teach. It was with reference to some great and surprising deliverance of the people of God out of bondage and distress that this psalm was penned, most likely their return out of Babylon in Ezra’s time. Though Babylon be not mentioned here (as it is, Psalm 137:1-9) yet their captivity there was the most remarkable captivity both in itself and as their return out of it was typical of our redemption by Christ. Probably this psalm was penned by Ezra, or some of the prophets that came up with the first. We read of singers of the children of Asaph, that famous psalmist, who returned then, Ezra 2:41. It being a song of ascents, in which the same things are twice repeated with advancement (Psalm 126:2, 3, 4, 5), it is put here among the rest of the psalms that bear that title. Those that had returned out of captivity are here called upon to be thankful, Psalm 126:1-3. Those that were yet remaining in captivity are here prayed for (Psalm 126:4) and encouraged, Psalm 126:5, 6. It will be easy, in singing this psalm, to apply it either to any particular deliverance wrought for the church or our own land or to the great work of our salvation by Christ.
Psalms 117 is classified as a Thanksgiving Psalm type. The life situations must have been numerous: victory after battle, thanks for harvest, relief from drought and plague, commemoration of the Exodus, and the seasonal feast.
Psalms 119 is classified as the Wisdom and Didactic psalm types. These types are design to teach and guide us to the path of righteousness as well as to show us how to seek God’s will and direction. Because of the honesty expressed by these writers, men and women throughout history have come, again and again, to the book of Psalms for comfort during times of struggle and distress. And through the psalms, they have risen from the depths of despair to new heights of joy and praise as they also discovered the power of God’s everlasting love and forgiveness. Let the honesty of the psalms guide you into a deep and genuine relationship with God.
Christ in the PSALMS
Both the Jewish and Christian faiths have long believed that many psalms referred as much to the promised Messiah as they did to events at the time. Because the Messiah was to be a descendant of David, it was expected that many of the royal psalms would apply to him. Christians noted how many of the passages seemed to describe in detail events from Christ’s life and death. Jesus himself frequently quoted from Psalms. Almost everything that happened at the crucifixion and most of Jesus’ words during his final hours were prophesied in Psalms. The following is a list of some references in Psalms pertaining to Christ.
Psalm 2:1,2 Why do the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) an empty scheme? The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ).
Psalm 22:1 “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Why are You so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?” David gave an amazingly accurate description of the suffering the Messiah would endure hundreds of years later. David was obviously enduring some great trial, but through his suffering he, like the Messiah to come, gained victory. Jesus, the Messiah, quoted this verse while hanging on the cross carrying our burden of sin (Matthew 27:46). It was not a cry of doubt, but an urgent appeal to God. Psalm 22:1–21, He will experience agony on the cross in Matthew 26; 27. Psalm 22:15, He will thirst while on the cross, John 19:28. Psalm 22:18, evil men will cast lots for his clothing Matthew 27:35; John 19:23,
24.
Psalm 45 – This psalm is an illustrious prophecy of Messiah the Prince: it is all over gospel, and points at him only, as a bridegroom espousing the church to himself and as a king ruling in it and ruling for it. It is probable that our Savior has reference to this psalm when he compares the kingdom of heaven, more than once, to a nuptial solemnity, the solemnity of a royal nuptial, Matt. 22:2; 25:1. While this psalm was written for a historic occasion, it is also seen as a prophecy about Christ and his bride, the church, who will praise him throughout all generations. The preface speaks the Excellency of the song, Ps. 45:1. The psalm speaks of the royal bridegroom, who is Christ. The transcendent Excellency of his person, Psalm 45:2. 2. The glory of his victories, Psalm 45:3-5. 3. The righteousness of his government, Psalm 45:6, 7. 4. The splendor of his court, Psalm 45:8, 9. Of the royal bride, which is the church, her consent gained, Psalm 45:10, 11. 2. The nuptials solemnized, Psalm 45:12-15. 3. The issue of this marriage, Psalm 45:16, 17. In singing this psalm our hearts must be filled with high thoughts of Christ, with an entire submission to and satisfaction in his government, and with an earnest desire of the enlarging and perpetuating of his church in the world.
Psalm 110: 1-7 “The Lord (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool. The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes. Your people will offer themselves willingly in the day of Your power, in the beauty of holiness and in holy array out of the womb of the morning; to You [will spring forth] Your young men, who are as the dew. The Lord has sworn and will not revoke or change it: You are a priest forever, after the manner and order of Melchizedek. The Lord at Your right hand will shatter kings in the day of His indignation. He will execute judgment [in overwhelming punishment] upon the nations; He will fill the valleys with the dead bodies, He will crush the [chief] heads over lands many and far extended. He will drink of the brook by the way; therefore will He lift up His head [triumphantly].” This psalm is pure gospel; it is only, and wholly, concerning Christ, the Messiah promised to the fathers and expected by them. It is plain that the Jews of old, even the worst of them, so understood it, however the modern Jews have endeavoured to pervert it and to rob us of it; for when the Lord Jesus proposed a question to the Pharisees upon the first words of this psalm, where he takes it for granted that David, in spirit, calls Christ his Lord though he was his Son, they chose rather to say nothing, and to own themselves gravelled, than to make it a question whether David does indeed speak of the Messiah or no; for they freely yield so plain a truth, though they foresee it will turn to their own disgrace, Matt. 22:41-46 of him therefore, no doubt, the prophet here speaks of him and of no other man. Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the office of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, with reference both to his humiliation and his exaltation; and of each of these we have here an account. His prophetical office, Psalm 110:2. His priestly office, Psalm 110:4. His kingly office, Psalm 110:1, 3, 5, 6. His estates of humiliation and exaltation, Psalm 110:7. In singing this psalm we must act faith upon Christ, submit ourselves entirely to him, to his grace and government, and triumph in him as our prophet, priest, and king, by whom we hope to be ruled, and taught, and saved, forever, and as the prophet, priest, and king, of the whole church, who shall reign till he has put down all opposing rule, principality, and power, and delivered up the kingdom to God the Father.
Psalm 85
Psalm 85 is a Thanksgiving psalm. This psalm is praising God for His graciousness and shows gratitude for the blessings He gives. It also gives reverence to God thank Him for restoration. Reverence leads to forgiveness, restoring our love and joy for God.
The sense of present afflictions should not do away the remembrance of former mercies. The favor of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all. See what the pardon of sin is. In compassion to us, when Christ our Intercessor has stood before you; you have turned away your anger. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of his being reconciled to us. He shows mercy to those to whom he grants salvation; for salvation is of mere mercy. The Lord 's people may expect sharp and tedious afflictions when they commit sin; but when they return to him with humble prayer, he will make them again to rejoice in him.
Sooner or later, God will speak peace to his people. If he do not command outward peace, yet he will suggest inward peace; speaking to their hearts by his Spirit. Peace is spoken only to those who turn from sin. All sin is folly, especially backsliding; it is the greatest folly to return to sin. Surely God 's salvation is nigh, whatever our difficulties and distresses are. Also, his honor is secured, that glory may dwell in our land. And the truth of the promises is shown by the Divine mercy in sending the Redeemer. The Divine justice is now satisfied by the great atonement. Christ, the way, truth, and life, sprang out of the earth when he took our nature upon him, and Divine justice looked upon him well pleased and satisfied. For his sake all good things, especially his Holy Spirit, are given to those who ask him. Through Christ, the pardoned sinner becomes fruitful in good works, and by looking to and trusting in the Savior 's righteousness, finds his feet set in the way of his steps. Righteousness is a sure guide, both in meeting God, and in following him.
As the writer cries out for God’s intervention, he can almost see, taste, and hear God’s response. These five verses describe what God can do for those who welcome his herald—righteousness (85:13). This psalm illustrates that the greater the presence of righteousness (obedience to God), the clearer the examples of God’s blessings. This principle works equally in the life of a nation or an individual. The more we first seek God’s righteousness and his kingdom, as Jesus pointed out, the more we will see everything else taken care of by God (see Matthew 6:25–33).
The aspect of application of Psalm 85 in my life is to seek God’s righteousness each day of my life and to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all I do. Since becoming a pastor’s wife, it has been a challenge in staying in forgiveness dealing with jealous and rebellious Christians. Sometimes working with sinners is easier that working with church people. The more I develop my relationship with Christ and hunger for of God, the more I compare myself with Christ instead of my counterparts. It keeps me seeking for more of His character.
Psalm 85: 10-11 Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springeth out of the earth; And righteousness hath looked down from heaven. This sums up how I live and work with the lives people in ministry. Mercy and truth are twins as well righteousness and peace. You cannot operate in ministry with souls effectively without operating in the set of twins.
Bibliography
1. http://www.godvine.com/bible/ecclesiastes 2. Life Application Bible – NIV & NKJV – Tyndale 3. http://www.cgg.org 4. http://www.theology.edu/journal/volume3/message.htm 5. http://hebrew.wisc.edu/~rltroxel/JHL/Wisdom.html 6. Matthew Henry’s Commentaries 7. http://www.ccel.org/study
Wanda H
Book of Ecclesiastes
The theme in the book of Ecclesiastes is to live under God 's commandments but to also enjoy life. Also, Ecclesiastes makes a point to tell readers that we should fear God - that is, respect and honor Him.
Solomon searched for satisfaction almost as though he was conducting a scientific experiment. Through this process, he discovered that life without God is a long and fruitless search for enjoyment, meaning, and fulfillment. True happiness is not in our power to attain because we always want more than we can have. In addition, there are circumstances beyond our control that can snatch away our possessions or attainments.
Solomon shows how empty it is to pursue the pleasures that this life has to offer rather than seek to have a relationship with the eternal God. Ecclesiastes has much to do with the focus and quality of life that spiritual fruit springs from. Ecclesiastes is not an easy book to grasp except at its very lowest level and that level occurs when we break it into isolated verses or a series of isolated thoughts in the same manner as we commonly do with Proverbs. But brethren, Ecclesiastes is a far different work than Proverbs.
Though both …show more content…
books are considered wisdom literature, their roles are far different. Ecclesiastes can most certainly be used in the same manner as Proverbs by breaking it into small pieces but it is far more complex than Proverbs; even though the reality it is addressing is actually fewer in terms of major thoughts. It requires a great deal more sustained, thoughtful meditation to get the abundant, spiritual meat this book has for all of us regardless of how long we have been converted.
What is Ecclesiastes purpose in God’s plan? How does it apply to us? As we begin, I am going to lay a foundation that I hope will be clear in the end. And brethren, I have no idea when the end is going to be. It will not be at the Feast of Tabernacles because there is so much in this book it is incredible. And yet, it is one we hardly ever pay any attention to except for isolated verses every once in a while. This book was written specifically for the sons of God, for His children in the faith, and it has a very urgent message for every one of us.
Ecclesiastes makes clear to the sons of God that there are specific choices to be made in life if one is serious about being in God’s Kingdom. I will be blunt. In life’s choices regarding being prepared it is either God’s way or the world’s. It is one or the other. It is either God’s way or man’s. It is either the way of faith or the way of sight.
We are going to follow the clear delineations in this book if we are wise. The more we choose the world’s way, the more meaningless life becomes both in qualities as lived now, and in quality of the finished product when death arrives and our judgment by God is concluded.
Book of Job
Job’s friends were certain that they were correct in their judgment of him. God rebuked them for their pride and arrogance. Human wisdom is always partial and temporary, so undue pride in our own conclusions is sin.
God alone knew the purpose behind Job’s suffering, and yet he never explained it to Job. In spite of this, Job never gave up on God—even in the midst of suffering. He never placed his hope in his experience, his wisdom, his friends, or his wealth. Job focused on God.
We must be careful not to judge others who are suffering. We may be demonstrating the sin of pride. We must be cautious in maintaining the certainty of our own conclusions about how God treats us. When we congratulate ourselves for being right, we become proud.
Job showed the kind of trust we are to have. When everything is stripped away, we are to recognize that God is all we ever really had. We should not demand that God explain everything. God gives us himself, but not all the details of his plans. We must remember that this life, with all its pain, is not our final destiny.
God alone knew the purpose behind Job’s suffering, and yet he never explained it to Job. In spite of this, Job never gave up on God—even in the midst of suffering. He never placed his hope in his experience, his wisdom, his friends, or his wealth. Job focused on God.
The book of Job is perfect example that suffering is not always a result of sin. This author expressed how Job shuns from evil. Job exemplified how much he loved and trusted God to the highest. He never blamed God for his suffering; however, he could not understand why God did not immediately come to his rescue. There was no mention of how long Job went through his test and suffering, but he presents to us a great deal of patience.
Job’s suffering was so intense that he cursed the day he was born. Three of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to visit him. At first they silently grieved with Job. But when they began to talk about the reasons for Job’s tragedies, they told him that sin had caused his suffering. They told him to confess his sins and turn back to God. But Job maintained his innocence.
God allowed his friends to speak and accuse Job. Unable to convince Job of his sin, the three men fell silent. At this point, another voice—the young Elihu—entered the debate. Although his argument also failed to convince Job, it prepared the way for God to speak.
Finally, God spoke out of a mighty storm. Confronted with the great power and majesty of God, Job fell in humble reverence before him—speechless. God rebuked Job’s friends (and Job), and the drama ended with Job restored to happiness and wealth.
It is easy to think that we have all the answers. In reality, only God knows exactly why events unfold as they do, and we must submit to him as our Sovereign.
As I experience trials and tests, I think about the book of Job and realize my relationship with God and my faith needs to go to another level. I am constantly examining myself with prayer to see if I am reaping or sowing. When I ask about reaping, I am asking if I have done something to reap what I am experiencing. If I am sowing, help me to sow the right seeds and go through with the grace of God so that I can help somebody through the same situation.
Exercising patience and faith in trials and tests are easier said than done. It is an opportunity to focus on the one and only Source, our Father God to build our character and trust in Him. I believe Job’s story is to warn us not to be disturbed by the trouble and suffering in your own life, or by that which we see in the lives of many godly people around us. We can be very sure that God has a divine purpose behind every trial, behind every single suffering we are enduring right now!
"Fear of the LORD,"
Ecclesiastes is more than just a grouping of negative, fatalistic proverbs; this book represents the wisdom of the Hebrews. It shows the honest assessment of a life lived for one 's own pleasure and profit, without a living, vibrant knowledge of God, and bound by the confinement of the grave. With such a perspective, there will naturally be a pessimistic and painful tone in the reading. The conclusion of such an observation? "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" (Ecc. 12:13-14). Ultimately, the wisdom of the Hebrews again points to the sovereignty of God to bring about justice and judgment. In light of His underlying presence in the affairs of all human life, the best thing to do is to revere and obey Him, leaving the rest to his discernment. Because the Hebrew people did not put much thought into an afterlife at this time in their history, this answer was as good as the revelation of God 's grace could give them for the moment. Similar to the book of Job, Ecclesiastes resolves itself to the mighty hand of the Lord with unpretentious faith in His power and goodness. Evil may exist, inequity may abound, but in the end God still has the last word.
Because God is the only one who knows where wisdom is, and thus how to find it, the essential definition of wisdom is that it is the "fear of the Lord." In fact, this theme that the quest for wisdom has its starting point in the "fear of the Lord" permeates wisdom literature. 3 times the book of Proverbs makes statements to the effect that, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." In fact, some of the 11 other times the phrase "the fear of the Lord" occurs in Proverbs use that phrase as a synonym of wisdom, so that to have fear for the Lord produces the same effects as searching for wisdom and knowledge.
Proverbs
The three characteristics of Proverbs are knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Knowledge is good, but a vast difference stands between “knowledge” (having the facts) and “wisdom” (applying those facts to life). We may amass knowledge, but without wisdom our knowledge is useless. We must learn how to live out what we know.
The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, left us a legacy of written wisdom in three volumes—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. In these books, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he gives practical insights and guidelines for life. In the first of these three volumes, Solomon passes on his practical advice in the form of proverbs. A proverb is a short, concise sentence that conveys moral truth. The book of Proverbs is a collection of these wise statements. The main theme of Proverbs, as we might expect, is the nature of true wisdom. Solomon writes, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (1:7). He then proceeds to give hundreds of practical examples of how to live according to godly wisdom.
Proverbs 16:7-12: "When the ways of people please the LORD, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them. Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice. The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps. Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness." I strive to live each day to please the Lord. I see how he causes my enemies to be at peace with me, even if they just have to flee from my presence. We want other people to like us, and sometimes we will do almost anything to win their approval. But God tells us to put our energy into pleasing him instead. Our effort to be peacemakers will usually make us more attractive to those around us, even our enemies. But even if it doesn’t, we haven’t lost anything. We are still pleasing God, the only one who truly matters. Whether we buy or sell, make a product or offer a service, we know what is honest and what is dishonest. Sometimes we feel pressure to be dishonest in order to advance ourselves or gain more profit. But if we want to obey God, there is no middle ground: God demands honesty in every business transaction. No amount of rationalizing can cover for a dishonest business practice. Honesty and fairness are not always easy, but they are what God demands. Ask him for discernment and courage to be consistently honest and fair.
Classification of Psalms
Psalms 13 is classified as a Lament psalms type. The Lament type is the prayers for God’s deliverance and for comfort when everything seems to be going wrong. This is also considered the complaints of the individual. This psalm is the deserted soul’s case and cure. Whether it was penned upon any particular occasion does not appear, but in general, I. David sadly complains that God had long withdrawn from him and delayed to relieve him, Ps. 13:1, 2. II. He earnestly prays to God to consider his case and comfort him, Ps. 13:3, 4. He assures himself of an answer of peace, and therefore concludes the psalm with joy and triumph, because he concludes his deliverance to be as good as wrought, Psalm 13:5, 6.
Psalms 112 is classified as Intercessional and Didactic types. This type is intended to teach. It was with reference to some great and surprising deliverance of the people of God out of bondage and distress that this psalm was penned, most likely their return out of Babylon in Ezra’s time. Though Babylon be not mentioned here (as it is, Psalm 137:1-9) yet their captivity there was the most remarkable captivity both in itself and as their return out of it was typical of our redemption by Christ. Probably this psalm was penned by Ezra, or some of the prophets that came up with the first. We read of singers of the children of Asaph, that famous psalmist, who returned then, Ezra 2:41. It being a song of ascents, in which the same things are twice repeated with advancement (Psalm 126:2, 3, 4, 5), it is put here among the rest of the psalms that bear that title. Those that had returned out of captivity are here called upon to be thankful, Psalm 126:1-3. Those that were yet remaining in captivity are here prayed for (Psalm 126:4) and encouraged, Psalm 126:5, 6. It will be easy, in singing this psalm, to apply it either to any particular deliverance wrought for the church or our own land or to the great work of our salvation by Christ.
Psalms 117 is classified as a Thanksgiving Psalm type. The life situations must have been numerous: victory after battle, thanks for harvest, relief from drought and plague, commemoration of the Exodus, and the seasonal feast.
Psalms 119 is classified as the Wisdom and Didactic psalm types. These types are design to teach and guide us to the path of righteousness as well as to show us how to seek God’s will and direction. Because of the honesty expressed by these writers, men and women throughout history have come, again and again, to the book of Psalms for comfort during times of struggle and distress. And through the psalms, they have risen from the depths of despair to new heights of joy and praise as they also discovered the power of God’s everlasting love and forgiveness. Let the honesty of the psalms guide you into a deep and genuine relationship with God.
Christ in the PSALMS
Both the Jewish and Christian faiths have long believed that many psalms referred as much to the promised Messiah as they did to events at the time. Because the Messiah was to be a descendant of David, it was expected that many of the royal psalms would apply to him. Christians noted how many of the passages seemed to describe in detail events from Christ’s life and death. Jesus himself frequently quoted from Psalms. Almost everything that happened at the crucifixion and most of Jesus’ words during his final hours were prophesied in Psalms. The following is a list of some references in Psalms pertaining to Christ.
Psalm 2:1,2 Why do the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) an empty scheme? The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ).
Psalm 22:1 “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Why are You so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?” David gave an amazingly accurate description of the suffering the Messiah would endure hundreds of years later. David was obviously enduring some great trial, but through his suffering he, like the Messiah to come, gained victory. Jesus, the Messiah, quoted this verse while hanging on the cross carrying our burden of sin (Matthew 27:46). It was not a cry of doubt, but an urgent appeal to God. Psalm 22:1–21, He will experience agony on the cross in Matthew 26; 27. Psalm 22:15, He will thirst while on the cross, John 19:28. Psalm 22:18, evil men will cast lots for his clothing Matthew 27:35; John 19:23,
24.
Psalm 45 – This psalm is an illustrious prophecy of Messiah the Prince: it is all over gospel, and points at him only, as a bridegroom espousing the church to himself and as a king ruling in it and ruling for it. It is probable that our Savior has reference to this psalm when he compares the kingdom of heaven, more than once, to a nuptial solemnity, the solemnity of a royal nuptial, Matt. 22:2; 25:1. While this psalm was written for a historic occasion, it is also seen as a prophecy about Christ and his bride, the church, who will praise him throughout all generations. The preface speaks the Excellency of the song, Ps. 45:1. The psalm speaks of the royal bridegroom, who is Christ. The transcendent Excellency of his person, Psalm 45:2. 2. The glory of his victories, Psalm 45:3-5. 3. The righteousness of his government, Psalm 45:6, 7. 4. The splendor of his court, Psalm 45:8, 9. Of the royal bride, which is the church, her consent gained, Psalm 45:10, 11. 2. The nuptials solemnized, Psalm 45:12-15. 3. The issue of this marriage, Psalm 45:16, 17. In singing this psalm our hearts must be filled with high thoughts of Christ, with an entire submission to and satisfaction in his government, and with an earnest desire of the enlarging and perpetuating of his church in the world.
Psalm 110: 1-7 “The Lord (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool. The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes. Your people will offer themselves willingly in the day of Your power, in the beauty of holiness and in holy array out of the womb of the morning; to You [will spring forth] Your young men, who are as the dew. The Lord has sworn and will not revoke or change it: You are a priest forever, after the manner and order of Melchizedek. The Lord at Your right hand will shatter kings in the day of His indignation. He will execute judgment [in overwhelming punishment] upon the nations; He will fill the valleys with the dead bodies, He will crush the [chief] heads over lands many and far extended. He will drink of the brook by the way; therefore will He lift up His head [triumphantly].” This psalm is pure gospel; it is only, and wholly, concerning Christ, the Messiah promised to the fathers and expected by them. It is plain that the Jews of old, even the worst of them, so understood it, however the modern Jews have endeavoured to pervert it and to rob us of it; for when the Lord Jesus proposed a question to the Pharisees upon the first words of this psalm, where he takes it for granted that David, in spirit, calls Christ his Lord though he was his Son, they chose rather to say nothing, and to own themselves gravelled, than to make it a question whether David does indeed speak of the Messiah or no; for they freely yield so plain a truth, though they foresee it will turn to their own disgrace, Matt. 22:41-46 of him therefore, no doubt, the prophet here speaks of him and of no other man. Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the office of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, with reference both to his humiliation and his exaltation; and of each of these we have here an account. His prophetical office, Psalm 110:2. His priestly office, Psalm 110:4. His kingly office, Psalm 110:1, 3, 5, 6. His estates of humiliation and exaltation, Psalm 110:7. In singing this psalm we must act faith upon Christ, submit ourselves entirely to him, to his grace and government, and triumph in him as our prophet, priest, and king, by whom we hope to be ruled, and taught, and saved, forever, and as the prophet, priest, and king, of the whole church, who shall reign till he has put down all opposing rule, principality, and power, and delivered up the kingdom to God the Father.
Psalm 85
Psalm 85 is a Thanksgiving psalm. This psalm is praising God for His graciousness and shows gratitude for the blessings He gives. It also gives reverence to God thank Him for restoration. Reverence leads to forgiveness, restoring our love and joy for God.
The sense of present afflictions should not do away the remembrance of former mercies. The favor of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all. See what the pardon of sin is. In compassion to us, when Christ our Intercessor has stood before you; you have turned away your anger. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of his being reconciled to us. He shows mercy to those to whom he grants salvation; for salvation is of mere mercy. The Lord 's people may expect sharp and tedious afflictions when they commit sin; but when they return to him with humble prayer, he will make them again to rejoice in him.
Sooner or later, God will speak peace to his people. If he do not command outward peace, yet he will suggest inward peace; speaking to their hearts by his Spirit. Peace is spoken only to those who turn from sin. All sin is folly, especially backsliding; it is the greatest folly to return to sin. Surely God 's salvation is nigh, whatever our difficulties and distresses are. Also, his honor is secured, that glory may dwell in our land. And the truth of the promises is shown by the Divine mercy in sending the Redeemer. The Divine justice is now satisfied by the great atonement. Christ, the way, truth, and life, sprang out of the earth when he took our nature upon him, and Divine justice looked upon him well pleased and satisfied. For his sake all good things, especially his Holy Spirit, are given to those who ask him. Through Christ, the pardoned sinner becomes fruitful in good works, and by looking to and trusting in the Savior 's righteousness, finds his feet set in the way of his steps. Righteousness is a sure guide, both in meeting God, and in following him.
As the writer cries out for God’s intervention, he can almost see, taste, and hear God’s response. These five verses describe what God can do for those who welcome his herald—righteousness (85:13). This psalm illustrates that the greater the presence of righteousness (obedience to God), the clearer the examples of God’s blessings. This principle works equally in the life of a nation or an individual. The more we first seek God’s righteousness and his kingdom, as Jesus pointed out, the more we will see everything else taken care of by God (see Matthew 6:25–33).
The aspect of application of Psalm 85 in my life is to seek God’s righteousness each day of my life and to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all I do. Since becoming a pastor’s wife, it has been a challenge in staying in forgiveness dealing with jealous and rebellious Christians. Sometimes working with sinners is easier that working with church people. The more I develop my relationship with Christ and hunger for of God, the more I compare myself with Christ instead of my counterparts. It keeps me seeking for more of His character.
Psalm 85: 10-11 Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springeth out of the earth; And righteousness hath looked down from heaven. This sums up how I live and work with the lives people in ministry. Mercy and truth are twins as well righteousness and peace. You cannot operate in ministry with souls effectively without operating in the set of twins.
Bibliography
1. http://www.godvine.com/bible/ecclesiastes 2. Life Application Bible – NIV & NKJV – Tyndale 3. http://www.cgg.org 4. http://www.theology.edu/journal/volume3/message.htm 5. http://hebrew.wisc.edu/~rltroxel/JHL/Wisdom.html 6. Matthew Henry’s Commentaries 7. http://www.ccel.org/study