LESSON 12 • Prudent Living 
(Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs)

INTRODUCTION

The four books of the Bible referred to as the Books of Wisdom provide us guidance for wise or prudent living. These books are: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs.

Job tells us the story of a wise man from the East, who suffered great physical and emotional pain - the direct result of Satan’s challenge to God’s worthiness. Job questions why such a fate has befallen him, but is completely unaware of the great cosmic drama that is being played out in the heavens.

The story prompts a number of weighty questions:
• Will Job remain faithful in spite of his suffering?
• Will he prove that God is to be worshipped for what He is, rather than for what He gives?

Condensed to its very essence, the book’s ultimate teaching is that it is our duty to operate in the fear of and trust in the Lord God Almighty, even when we do not understand the reason.

Proverbs provides the reader with wise counsel for day-to-day living. Much of the book contrasts the blessings given the righteous with the curses and afflictions of the wicked. Proverbs is full of pithy one-liners - the kind that give rise to a chuckle at first reading, but then sneak up from behind and whack us on the head with their ability to cut to the heart.
The essence of the book is that God’s blessing comes to the wise and righteous. God’s ways are better than man’s ways and the life of the righteous is the way to go.

Ecclesiastes speaks to the folly of the things of this world. The Teacher has experienced all that this world has to offer, but found nothing but meaningless drudgery. “There is nothing new under the sun.”, the Teacher writes. “All is vanity and a chasing after the wind.” Generally attributed to Solomon, who certainly had the opportunity to experience everything the world had to offer. In the end, the man who had done it all declares that the conclusion of the matter is to: “Fear God and keep His commandments.”
The theme of the book is that man will not find satisfaction in the things of this world. Only the things of God will bring satisfaction. C. S. Lewis phrased it this way: "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

Song of Songs tells the story of the love between a man and a woman. It speaks to God’s wisdom in creating the physical relationship between them. It is considered to be a powerful example of Hebrew poetry, though its allusions can be lost on the modern reader.

OPEN

For insight into each of the Books of Wisdom, consider the following readings:

Job: 1:6-2:10; 10:1-22; 38:1-ff; 42-1-16

Note the following about the book:
• Job suffered for reasons beyond his control (1:12-19, 2:7)
• He cried out for a hearing with God (13:3)
• God did not answer Job’s cry, bus instead gave him a lesson in perspective (38:1-41:34)
• God pronounced Job faithful in the end and blessed him richly (42:7-16)

Proverbs: 2:1-8, 20-22; 3:11-12; 4:23; 8:32-36; 9:10-12; 
Chs 10--15

Note the following about the book:
• The Proverbs can lead to a prudent life (1:1-7)
• The way of the righteous and the wise is a better way (2:1-22)
• The righteous will be blessed, while the wicked will receive curses (Ch 10-15)

Ecclesiastes: 1:1-18, 12:9-14

Note the following about the book:
• The Teacher tried everything, withholding nothing from himself (2:1-11)
• He found all of earth’s devices meaningless (1:1-11)
• It is good for a man to enjoy his work and God’s blessing 
(5:18-20)
• Yet what really matters is following God (12:9-14)

DIG

1. How would you define the “wisdom” spoken of in these books? Why does God place such a high value on it?

2. What promises are made in the Books of Wisdom to the wise? To the unwise?

3. Contrast the blessings for the wise/righteous with the curses for the unwise/unrighteous in Proverbs 10-15. Does life really work that way?

4. Contrast Job’s experiences with Proverbs 22:4. How can both Job’s experience and the Proverbs writer’s statement both fit in God’s plan?

5. What is the "fear of the Lord"? What does it mean to operate in it?

REFLECT

1. Do you live your life in “the fear of the Lord”? Would your friends and co-workers give the same answer about you?

2. Do you believe God’s promises about wise and righteous living? Do you truly believe that His lifestyle is better? Are you willing to live in God’s way even if those promises are not fulfilled in this life?

3. Could you give an answer like that found in Job 1:20-21 if you found yourself in a similar situation?

4. Do you find yourself trying to find satisfaction in the things of this world as the Teacher did? How can you break out of that cycle?