Solomon lays out a series of paradoxical proverbs that challenge our assumptions about what’s truly good. This session walks through counterintuitive truths—like mourning being better than feasting, and sorrow being better than laughter—demonstrating that deep reflection on death and suffering sharpens our wisdom and clarifies life’s meaning. Solomon contrasts the wisdom of a patient, humble spirit with the impulsiveness of pride and anger. Throughout the section, Solomon urges us to live wisely and attentively, not distracted by superficial pleasures. The climax is Solomon’s honest assessment of God’s sovereignty: both prosperity and adversity ultimately come from him. The message is clear: […]
The “Sage” (Qoheleth) observes that everything in life—sunrise, wind, rivers—follows an exhausting, unchanging cycle. This session explores how Solomon’s existential reflection challenges the illusion...
The Book of Ecclesiastes opens with a disturbing thesis: “Everything is pointless!” This first session introduces the genre of wisdom literature and the rhetorical...
Reflecting on the fate of the righteous and wicked alike—death—and how neither wisdom nor righteousness guarantees divine favor, the unpredictability of life is presented...
