Texts Reflecting: Proverbs 5, Ecclesiastes 5 The simplest lesson implied in everything so far is that not all work or striving is valuable, some of it is striving after the wind (as Ecclesiastes says), but it’s also a facet of the teaching in proverbs. The recommendation of avoiding an adulteress is one example. Lest you…

Texts Reflecting: Proverbs 4, Ecclesiastes 4 With so much of both Proverbs and Ecclesiastes (and I’d argue, most of the Bible) focussing on the motivations of people as more important than the actions of the believer, it’s no surprise that people focus on verses like Proverbs 4:32, which reads in the NASB “Watch over your…

Texts Reflecting: Proverbs 3, Ecclesiastes 3 As I read scripture, I’m struck by how easy it is for me to absolve myself of things as I read. Sometimes the text says things and I think “this person I have in mind should really take note of this” or I think “wow, I’m glad that I…

Text Reflecting: Ecclesiastes 2, Proverbs 2 Some might imagine that lies are as useful as the truth. After all, people who lie often get ahead. Those who seem rich and famous are often not very nice people. And yet, Proverbs 2 tells us that wisdom is not merely good in becoming a better person, but…