Song of Solomon - Eccleasties - Proverbs

Song of Solomon


This is my Beloved, this is my friend . . .

I have never studied this book as a marriage manual. I have never even thought to do so though I have known that some people perceive the book in this way. Thirty years ago I was involved in a Bible Study on the Song of Solomon that lasted a glorious 27 weeks. We twelve, like-minded women, thoroughly enjoyed the rich symbolism expressing God’s love for His people and our response to such love. Every herb, flower, spice, and location mentioned in this book had a meaning for the believer seeking to live a life in love with God. Nothing was untoward about our study; it was delightful and deeply meaningful for all of us. It altered our lives. I have never forgotten this study and to this day hold this book as a "map" of my life in God. Since that time, I have collected several books written by saints who also viewed this book the same way we twelve ladies did. I was sorry that there wasn’t time for this amazing book to be presented from this classic viewpoint.
Ecclesiastes I thoroughly enjoyed this book written in the New Living Translation. It sometimes seemed very dour, but as is true of wisdom literature, these truths were more probable than timeless. Reading the book with this view in mind clarified a lot that was formerly confusing to me. Was the Teacher depressed? I think, rather, that he had regrets. He knows the truth and as a wise man, he owns up to it. "The Teacher was considered wise . . .Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad." I believe this would be a very good book for me to read on a regular basis. I crowd my life with distractions (vanities!), and this book would remind me of things more needful. King Solomon’s conclusion reminded me of one made by St. Herman of Alaska; "From this day, from this hour, from this minute, let us strive to love God above all, and fulfill His holy will."
Proverbs King Solomon states at the end of Ecclesiastes that "He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them." And this touches me. I collect quotations and would love to compile them into a book one day. Before I die! I believe the book of Proverbs is best to be read a chapter at a time. The sayings are simple enough but need to be thought through. Again, I found them more meaningful in this translation–just that little bit of extra explanation is helpful. I don’t know where else there are words written quite like the Proverbs. How rich I am to have a Bible. This course has reduced me to a puddle of humility. I seemed to have forgotten the wealth, the power, the wisdom, the breadth of understanding and knowledge we can attain by study. Yes, Solomon does tell us to "Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out." But truth be told, I have a long way to go before that happens!