Baptist Commentary WISDOM BOOKS by Garner-Howes

Wisdom Books

The Book of Proverbs was written by Solomon to show how to live and deal with the varied situations of life.  It is intended for all, regardless of age or level of wisdom.  Parents should study it for their own benefit, and for guidance in instructing their children. The young also should be encouraged to seek its counsel. It offers a great prize to all who study and heed its teachings, the prize of the wisdom that comes only from God, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 and James 1:5. It should be remembered, however, that the promise of God to give wisdom is effective only to the extent that one obeys the instructions to study and heed the Word of God, Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:15; Proverbs 28:9.

Ecclesiastes reports the vanity, or utter futility, of life under the sun, a term which signifies life without fellowship with God, as revealed by personal experiences and observations of the great king Solomon.  The vast resources of Solomon were used unstintingly to examine the many and varied aspects of life under the sun (Ecclesiastes 8:9). The report includes Solomon’s acknowledgement of days of vanity in his own life (Ecclesiastes 2:11, 15; 17:15).

Ecclesiastes reveals many failures of man, but it is inspired of God and has a purpose to call all, both young and old: to FEAR GOD.  This term refers to a reverential trust in God that prompts love for and obedience to Him (Ecclesiastes 3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12, 13; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

The Song of Solomon magnifies the beauty and joy of man and woman bound together by love and total commitment to each other as the Creator intended when He instituted monogamous marriage, Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5, 6; Mark 10:7-9. Although it contains no mention of God and is not quoted or referred to elsewhere in the Bible, it teaches conjugal relationship based on a standard of love and probity taught only by the Holy Scriptures.  It also portrays the harmful effects of persons motivated by lust rather than love.