1. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Sirach
Mrs. Caffrey
Chapter 9 - Scripture 2

2. Proverbs The “advice column” of the Old Testament
Proverbs teaches that the wise person listens to the “voices” of history: experience, intelligence and common sense
These writings were developed over centuries of Israelites recording their reflections on the challenges of life
Proverbs

3. Some sayings may be seem outdated but overall message is same as Gospel – faith is not just a matter of the right believing; it is also a matter of right living.
Contains two basic types of writing:
Longer instructions addressed to young people
Shorter sayings addressed to all
Author(s) are unknown however King Solomon is given credit probably because of his legendary wisdom
Proverbs

4. Warnings against Evil Companions
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction
~Proverbs 1:7
My child, if sinners entice you, do not consent
~Proverbs 1:10
Warnings against Evil Companions

5. How are you using your gifts from God?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and refreshment for your body.
~Proverbs 3:5-8
How are you using your gifts from God?

6. There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a lying witness who testifies falsely, and one who sows discord in a family
~Proverbs 6:16-19
Do what God loves!

7. Does this remind you of anyone?
Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
~Proverbs 8:6-7
Does this remind you of anyone?

8. Ecclesiastes Written by “the Teacher,” 4th or 3rd century BC
Themes: Life is not always fair. There are no easy answers. Only in faith in God is true wisdom found.
Was written to point out to the Israelites the need for new understanding of God & life
The Book of Ecclesiastes stands as a reminder to believers that all things change, even our understanding of God
Ecclesiastes

9. For everything there is a season……….
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A time to love & a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:8)
For everything there is a season……….

10. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.”
~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Friends

11. What does this mean to you?
Do not heed to everything that people say or you may hear your servant cursing you; your heart knows that many times you have yourself cursed others.”
~Ecclesiastes 7:21
What does this mean to you?

12. Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun
Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. Even those who live many years should rejoice in them all; yet let them remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. Rejoice, young man, while you are young and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Banish anxiety from your mind, and put away pain from your body; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.”
~Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

13. Song of Solomon A collection of ancient love poems
Reminds us that this powerful force is ultimately a gift from God
Many wonder why this book is included in the Bible – does the lover & the beloved stand for God and Israel?
Modern day scholars translate it literally to a collection of love poems.
It is considered an affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality: human love is holy because it is a gift from God!
Song of Solomon

14. How do Catholics view Song of Solomon?
Catholic Scholars believe both – an allegorical of God & Israel but they do not eliminate the possibility of interpreting it as an inspired portrayal of human love.
The passion and beauty of human sexual attraction is the reflection of the passion & beauty of God’s love for us!
How do Catholics view Song of Solomon?

15. The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag, Look there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows looking through the lattice.
How can this be interpreted both ways?
~Song of Solomon 2:8-9

16. Written by Jesus Ben Sira, a wise teacher who lived in early in the 2nd century BC
He translated his grandfather’s work from Hebrew into Greek
He lived during a time when many people were deserting traditional Jewish beliefs for newer Greek ideas
Theme: the superiority of Jewish wisdom over Greek wisdom
The book celebrates the glory of wisdom and recalls the heroes of Jewish faith
It has a harsher view of women than other OT books
Sirach