by Major Themes of the “Wisdom Theology” in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes
These books demonstrate wisdom that is considered “higher” and more “reflective” than any of the other books in the Bible. They make no reference to the themes of salvation history and covenant, election of a people, and conquest of the land. The focus of these wisdom books is instead on the realm of day-to-day living, and on the person in relation to God, society, and the world. In the wisdom perspective, God is first and foremost creator God, the one who has arranged the structures of cosmos and society.[1]
The theological themes that dominate the wisdom teaching include the fear of the Lord, retribution (the theory that good will be rewarded and evil will be punished), concern for origins (creation) and ends (including death), and the issue of the incomprehensible in life.[2] Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes all declare that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7; 9:10; 16:6; 31:30; Job 28:28; Eccles. 5:7; 12:13).[3]
Proverbs:
Wisdom in Proverbs has a threefold element that includes sapiential (a way of knowing reality), ethical (a way of handling oneself), and religious (a way of relating to the divinely designed order or to God).[4] Proverbs position the foundation for Old Testament (OT) wisdom by emphasizing proper fear of God and the relationship between a person’s character and everyday consequences.[5] Reverence for God produces wise behavior, and irreverence for God results in foolish conduct. This impacts the person’s choice to respect or disrespect God expressed in actions, attitudes, and values which determines the outcome.[6] Some of the chapters that include the threefold element include one, three, eight, nine, fifteen, and sixteen.
Proverbs distills how to live skillfully (what the word wisdom means) i.e., practically, a life of righteousness in a world that does not make sense, or the rules of life for an individual who wishes to be a member of a prosperous society and who looks for the right way to build up a God-fearing conscience. The book has several groupings (e.g. first 9 chapters extol the theme of the virtues of wisdom via a woman, but then there is the fool, the use of words, etc.).
Ecclesiastes:
Estes states, “The most prominent theme of Ecclesiastes is that life is hebel…The literal sense of hebel is ‘vapor’ or ‘breath,’ and in its abstract uses in Ecclesiastes it refers to ‘anything that is superficial, ephemeral, insubstantial, incomprehensible, enigmatic, inconsistent, or contradictory.’”[7] The OT used the metaphor with two different connotations where one definition is that which is insubstantial (Isa. 30:7, 49:4, Ps. 39:7, Jer. 8:19) and the other is that which is transient (Ps. 39:5, 144:3-4, Job 7:16). These are used within Ecclesiastes, but it also employs the term with differing connotations within a given passage and the question of which is at play is informed by the immediate context in which it is located.[8] Unfortunately, no single word or definition fits all occurrences of vapor in Ecclesiastes.[9] Some of the chapters with “vapor” include one, two, four, six, eight, and eleven.
Consider the theme that “all is utter futility and emptiness.” In other words, one cannot make sense out of life (Eccl. 3:11; 7:14; 8:17). Life seems to be a riddle full of time and chance. One does not know if they will get hit by a Mack truck tomorrow and die, no way to predict. But within the body of the book, it illustrates these absurdities and riddles of life. But at the end of the book, it states, “Fear God, keep the commandments for judgment is coming.” If one examines closely, the book’s contents, you will also find phrases like “enjoy life” (Eccl. 2:24; 3:13, 22; 5:18; 8:15; 9:7), a kind of eat, drink and be merry attitude, but not because tomorrow we’re going to die, but knowing that God is in control of both the good days and bad, He is sovereign, just and good, as noted in the verses sited.
Specific ways the message of Proverbs is balanced by the message of Ecclesiastes and Job.
Proverbs show contrast between right and wrong and how the outcome is directly related to those actions, behaviors, and values. It provides a set of rules on how to have a God-fearing conscious that benefits the person and their proper place in society. Proverbs upholds that joy stems from aligning oneself with God’s values.
Ecclesiastes and Job deals with suffering[10] and affirms that joy is possible and comes from recognizing that life is a gift from God. Ecclesiastes provides insight on how to develop a worldview where God is at the center instead of self. It also does not paint the optimistic picture that Proverbs normally do as it states that society is not ideal and there are many exceptions to the rules that are mentioned in Proverbs. There will be times when blessings should be expected but suffering is given. There are also times where people are prosperous even though their actions, behaviors, and values deserve punishment.
The pursuit of wisdom is an example where Proverbs portrays wisdom as a treasure worth seeking, offering guidance for practical living, moral integrity, and discernment in relationships and daily decisions. Wisdom is personified as a teacher and guide, leading to life, prosperity, and honor (Proverbs 3:13-18). Then Ecclesiastes presents a more skeptical view, showing that wisdom alone cannot provide meaning or happiness apart from God. It reflects that even the pursuit of wisdom brings sorrow and has its limits in explaining life’s mysteries (Eccles. 1:18, 8:16-17).
The purpose of life is also different between the two books. Proverbs state that life has purpose and meaning for those who pursue wisdom and live righteously. Ecclesiastes, by contrast, question the meaning of life, considering its temporary and often contradictory nature. It states that most pursuits are “meaningless” without a relationship with God (Eccles. 12:13-14). People cannot change the way the world is as life is not always fair and the theory of retribution does not work. The best way to live is to treasure the present moment as death will come to everyone. A person cannot control the course of nature nor of history, but he can find joy in life by accepting each moment as it comes from God.[11]
Ecclesiastes and Job both have a key theme, difficulty in understanding life. Ecclesiastes view has to be included, in that all is ‘utter futility,’ cannot make sense out of life and Job as well but limited of course, for he did not know why he ended up where he did, and he never was told why. They all have a common factor, trust and fear God. Proverbs stands out as showing how to live practically, a life of righteousness in a world that does not make sense!
Enduring Relevance of “Wisdom Theology” for the 21st-Century Christian
As a chat coach for an online Christian chatting organization that chats with many Christians and non-Christians, there are many times that Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is quoted to a chatter that is going through life and in need of wisdom and encouragement. God’s word is applicable today as much as it was when it was written. These books encourage a balanced, thoughtful approach to life as the world is complex and there are always competing values. Proverbs help emphasize the correct virtues like humility, justice, and integrity (Prov. 11:2). Ecclesiastes help with understanding life’s transience and knowing that its purpose is having a relationship with God rather than material success as the person’s actions and behavior will be judged (Eccles. 12:13-14).
Does the New Testament continue the themes?
The New Testament continues the themes as James 1:5 calls for discernment by seeking wisdom. Romans 13:10 mentions how love is the fulfillment of the law which continues the ethical focus where love is the foundation of Christian ethics. Matthew 6:33 points to God’s kingdom as life’s ultimate purpose. Philippians 2:12 reminds people to fear the Lord. Jesus’ teachings on eternal priorities parallels Ecclesiastes in Matthew 6:19-21. Another good verse is James 1:5-8 where wisdom is given generously when asked for.
Miscellaneous Information
Practical wisdom still applies, God will provide for those who work hard. Generally, health belongs to those who take care of themselves. Of course, there are exceptions but true meaning in all this comes from God. As an online Christian coach that helps people find Christ, I come across a significant number of Christians that say they do work hard, they do take care of themselves, and that they are not getting the blessings they expected to get. They say they pray all the time, go to church and are still disappointed. I do think this is where Ecclesiastes helps balance the message that good works will still not get you closer to blessings. The book is unique within the Bible. Duncan states, “Ecclesiastes has been called the strangest book in the Bible. That may be the one thing most of its readers can agree on, for this small book may well have engendered more widely differing interpretations than any other book of the Bible.”[12] The book emphasize the importance of blessings through Jesus Christ. Estes explains, “In the final verses of the book, it calls all humans to develop a God-centered worldview, which is essential for finding significance in life.”[13] I have recommended Ecclesiastes and Job to various chatters as a prescription to them understanding more about God, suffering, and the importance of focusing on Him instead of material gain.
The book lays out the results of either following the path of wisdom or the path of foolishness. It spells what the expected results will be depending on the path one chooses. The book is practical and exemplifies 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as it can be used for teaching, reproof, and correction. The thesis of the book can be found within the first chapter, Proverbs 1:2-7, to enable people to learn wisdom for a life lived faithfully and in awe for Yahweh.[14] Proverbs refers to Yahweh about three times per chapter and does not refer to Israel, to the exodus, to Sinai, Moses, God’s promise to David, or to the day of Yahweh. Goldingay states, “It is offering insight on a wisdom that coheres with what Israel knows about its God. Like its understanding of ethics, Proverbs’ understanding of Yahweh compares with that of the Torah and the Prophets, though it says little of how this understanding finds expression in worship.”[15]
From a teaching standpoint, Proverbs is easy to teach to students that are under twenty-five as the wisdom is mostly black and white with high contrast. For older individuals that have experienced life’s trials and tribulations, Ecclesiastes and Job can be used. Estes states, “Ecclesiastes explores the question of human significance to assess why a person who appears to have all of the blessings promised by traditional wisdom is unable to find meaning in life.”[16] This requires a little bit of life experience to appreciate the insight.
Bibliography
Aguilar Chiu, José Enrique, Clifford, Richard J. Sj, and Dempsey, Carol J. Op, eds. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Alexander, T. Desmond, and Brian S. Rosner, eds. New Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Electronic ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.
Duncan, Julie Ann. Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Ecclesiastes. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2017.ProQuest Ebook Central.
Estes, Daniel J. Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005.
[1] Julie Ann Duncan, Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Ecclesiastes (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2017), 18,ProQuest Ebook Central.
[2] José Enrique Aguilar Chiu, Richard J. Sj Clifford, and Carol J. Op Dempsey, eds. The Paulist Biblical Commentary (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2018), 937, ProQuest Ebook Central.
[3] C. G. Bartholomew, “Wisdom Books,” in New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 120.
[4] Daniel J. Estes, Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005), 221.
[5] John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
[6] Estes, Handbook on the Wisdom, 221-223.
[7] Ibid., 281.
[8] Duncan, Abingdon Old Testament, 28.
[9] Ibid., 30.
[10] Barry, Faithlife Study.
[11] Aguilar Chiu, Clifford, and Dempsey, eds. The Paulist Biblical, 1199.
[12] Julie Ann Duncan, Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Ecclesiastes (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2017), 14, ProQuest Ebook Central.
[13] Daniel J. Estes, Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005), 280.
[14] John Goldingay, Proverbs (Chicago, IL: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2023), 18, ProQuest Ebook Central.
[15] Ibid., 20.
[16] Daniel J. Estes, Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005), 276.