Book of Ecclesiastes 10-12 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it

Ecclesiastes 10-12

Not much really stands out to me in these final three chapters.  I did like this line;

11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

The end of book of Ecclesiastes just kind of repeats the sames messages as the rest of the book, which isn't a bad thing.  I liked Ecclesiastes better then most of the other books as it has allot of positive messages and good, down home wisdom.

Song of Solomon next!

Book of Ecclesiastes 1-3 Wisdom Excelleth Folly

Ecclesiastes 1-3

The author of this book (Solomon?) seems to enjoy life and encourages others to do so.  He's also very reflective about his life and work.

He also totally ripped off the Byrds!

One of the most interesting things I've read so far comes at 3:19-3:22.  The author clearly states that the beasts of the earth and man will share the same fate.  That both will return to dust and that he/we can't know that there is an after life.
His philosophy? Enjoy life while you're here.  Sounds like an Atheist to me!

Between Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, the Bible seems to be turning into a more positive book.  Quite the change from the killing and mayhem of the first half of the Old Testament.

Why the change?  I think it's because God has had no direct input for the last several books.  Humans seem to be very pleasant when he's not around! ;-)

Book of Proverbs 22-25 For a whore is a deep ditch

Proverbs 22-25

Gotta love the colorful language you run across in the Bible!

Proverb 22 has some great thoughts in it, starting off with 22:1

22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

I like the first half of this one but would edit the last half to read 'for they shall share the same final fate.'

22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

22:9 and 22:17 are also winners.

22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. 22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

I do have to disagree with 23:9

23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

As someone who is passionate about education, I feel that even the fools, especially the fools, need to learn from others.  Every once in a while a fool may see the light.

Lines 23-24 on the other hand...

I have personal experience with this as a child (Sister Madonna at Saint Mary's School) and can tell you that using the rod to correct a child usually ends up with a traumatized child and nothing more.

23:30-32 has a very important message for us all.  If you're out drinking, don't mix your drinks!

Proverb 25 seems to have some repetition in it from previous proverbs.  Perhaps priming us for the New Testament? ;-) 

Book of Proverbs 9-12 As a Jewel of Gold in a Swine's Snout

FYI, I've caught up and posted my thoughts on chapters 5-8 in the earlier post.

Proverbs 9-12

Proverb 9 has some nice thoughts on wisdom (other then the misogynistic imagery the end).
Imagine if it was applied to reason and critical thought!

Proverb 10:30 states;
"The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth."
Doesn't this contradict the Book of Revelations which tells us that the good guys will be raptured off the earth while the wicked will be 'left behind'?

11:1 shows that God hates Fox News!