Recently, I have spent some time studying what is know as the wisdom literature of the Bible. Thus far, I have read through and studied the book of Proverbs and the book of Ecclesiastes. I have Job, Psalms, and Song of Songs to go. And, if I get really adventurous, I might even break open the inter-testamental books of Wisdom and Sirach.
In 1 Kings 3, we read that when Solomon was made king, he did not ask the Lord for long life or wealth, but he recognized his limitations and instead asked for wisdom - a discerning heart to govern and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Because Solomon sought out the wisdom of God and set out to walk in the ways of the Lord and obey his commands, God not only gave him wisdom, but he blessed him beyond measure.
Though scholars today believe that the authors of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are unknown, according to rabbinic tradition Solomon was the author of each. In these books we find wise sayings and good advice, but the thread that underlies it all is an emphasis on our dependance on God and a simplicity in our living. Though life and all of its joys and sorrows may be fleeting, God remains faithful and constant.
As we seek to live lives faithful to our God, we can learn from these books of wisdom. In ordering our lives and raising our families, we are called to lives of dependence on and trust in God's faithfulness. We are called to a simplicity that recognizes that the only thing in life that is not fleeting is the relationship we have through Jesus Christ.
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