Oct. 9, 2011

Background Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:20

Devotional Reading: Psalms 33:13-22

The Book of Ecclesiastes, like the Book of Proverbs, is a wisdom book of the Old Testament. But, unlike Proverbs, instead of a mixture of optimism and pessimism, Ecclesiastes is mostly pessimistic.

In fact, it is often skipped through quickly or entirely because of its prevailing mood of disillusionment and cynicism. It begins on that note: “Vanities of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (1:2).

Depending upon which translation you are using, instead of the noun “preacher,” the Hebrew term may be rendered as “teacher,” “speaker” or the Hebrew word itself, Koheleth (or Qohelet) – one who presides over or gathers together a congregation. The Greek translation of Koheleth is “Ecclesiastes.”

When Koheleth says “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (1:2), the word rendered as “vanity” is equally difficult to pin down. Most often when we use it, we are speaking of conceit, smugness, bragging or arrogance, but in Ecclesiastes the term vanity suggests a “breath” or “vapor” and in 1:14, he spells this out: “I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.”

Thus, “vanity” in Ecclesiastes connotes insubstantiality, futility or worthlessness. Repeated 35 times in this book, his theme is: Life? A breath that is all for nothing!

Beautiful?

It is understandable then that, except for the familiar words of chapter 3 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die …” – Ecclesiastes is largely ignored. Someone has said, “If you’re feeling down, defeated or defunct, don’t read Ecclesiastes!”

But, although we have only this week and next to deal with it, I believe we will have enough exposure to understand why it is in the Old Testament and enjoys a reputation of, as Dwight E. Stevenson has put it, “… one of the most beautiful literary works in the world.”

Yes, Koheleth is definitely a cynic, but I believe he is a good cynic because he voiced questions that have perennially troubled thoughtful Christians. I would recommend him especially for those who are “feeling down, defeated and defunct,” because Koheleth has stood where we have and known the same cynicism we have entertained.

Doubts are handled not by hiding them, but by acknowledging and working through them. Keep in mind, however, that he probably wrote this book in the third century B.C. – in other words, before the ministry of Jesus – so we must not chide him because he is not a Christian.

What can we learn from him? First, that life is not fair. Many drop out because they are seeking justice, compassion and acceptance.

But instead of waiting for life to bestow these, we can work for justice, bestow compassion and practice acceptance.

God desires these for us, but usually they must come through people. Koheleth sees that “all is vanity,” but we can work together to keep life from being futile.

He can also help us to discover wisdom seldom is delivered like the daily mail, but often arrives when we have dared to pose the disturbing questions, wrestle with what seems unfair, work through life’s seeming inconsistencies and contradictions and listen for the often “still, small voice” of God.

“The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools” (9:17). So why does the shouter get our attention, rather than the “poor wise man” (90:16)?

Ezekiel 9:13-16 is, for me, one of the most profound and stirring passages in the Old Testament.

Speaking of a little city that was besieged by a great king, he says: “But there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man.

But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heeded.”

Koheleth wants us to read this and ask ourselves: But why is this so?

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Rev. Althouse may write to him in care of this publication.