Proverbs are generally short sayings that give counsel about living righteously. The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some believe Solomon to be its author.
The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes emphasize the importance of wisdom. What differences are there between being learned and being wise? (See Proverbs 1:7; 9:9–10; 2 Nephi 9:28–29.)
What counsel is given in Proverbs 3:5–7? What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord?
Why is the Lord concerned with the words we speak? (See Proverbs 16:27–28; 18:8; 25:18; Matthew 12:36–37.) How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?
Proverbs 13:10 and 16:18 teach that pride leads to contention and destruction. How can pride do this? How does pride affect our families?
Proverbs 22:6 says to “train up a child in the way he should go.” What should parents do to follow this counsel? (See D&C 68:25–28.) How can parents more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel?
Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor? (See Proverbs 15:13; 17:22.) What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families?
OT Gospel Doctrine lesson #31 - Happy is the man that findeth Wisdom
Ecclesiastes and Proverbs
Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are attributed to King Solomon, but were probably written centuries later.
Ecclesiastes
"Vanity of vanities. All is vanity."
The Preacher begins his discourse with a colophon-a self introduction and purpose for his writing. He claims to be the son of King David, presumably Solomon.
Eccl 1:1 The words of the Preacher (Kohelet), the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity (Hevel) of vanities, saith the Preacher (Kohelet), vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
This book is another collection of Wisdom literature attributed to King Solomon. It is, however, a rather odd selection of thoughts that seem to deal largely with folly, despair and the inevitable nature of death.
Apparently there was a good deal of debate anciently as to whether or not it should even be included in the biblical canon — its authority as a book attributed to Solomon is likely what guaranteed its final placement among holy scripture.
Collins notes that its value as part of the canon continued to be questioned as late as the 4th century C.E. due to its “lack of coherence and its radical questioning of tradition.”
While there are some good sayings and memorable lines in the book, most do not find it very inspiring as a whole. You may notice that the Sunday School study guide contains no quotes from or references to passages in Ecclesiastes.
The Hebrew name for the book, Qoheleth, is difficult to interpret. It’s root in Hebrew is the word for “assembly”, which leads scholars to interpret the title to refer to a “gatherer” or “assembler.” The general idea is that Qoheleth was a preacher or teacher, a wise man who instructed the people in the ways of Wisdom.
Ecclesiastes is very philosophical, very much relies on the arm of flesh and ones own understanding.
Eccl 1:6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
Ecclesiastes is usually dated by scholars as being written after the Diaspora (ca 520 BC) and before the 2nd century BC, due to its Aramaic phraseology and possible ties to other philosophic writings.
It is considered similar to the Egyptian Wisdom/Royal Testament rite, where Pharaoh related his earthly wisdom to his son.
Eccl 1:12 I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Both Greek and Egyptian philosophies were developing before and after the Diaspora (and diaspora means dispersion). As Greek power ascended in the region, especially under Alexander the Great, its philosophies also spread.
(The philosophies of men, mingled with scripture…)
Like the Greeks, the Preacher seeks to find wisdom and truth through observation and reason, rather than through revelation. He sought "what is good for men to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives" (2:3). This was also the chief goal of the major Greek schools of philosophy.
Like the Stoics (Greek philosophers), the Preacher uses the 4 elements (air, water, fire, earth) in his search for meaning. And as the Stoics, determined there really is no true answer.
(Stoics were a 3rd century BC Greek Philosophy group that taught that emotion should be removed from decisions.)
He comes to realize "there is nothing new under the Sun" ( ). Basically, man is born, he works, then dies. A man can perform what seems to be important, only to have another come along and ruin it. There is nothing eternal. The best we can expect is serve God and do good.
The most famous lines may be those that were immortalized in the 60’s hippy music by the Byrds, Turn, Turn, Turn…
Eccl 3:3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
(I hate the 60s…)
The Preacher often notes the vanity of life. In Hebrew the term for vanity is "hevel." This word does not translate well into English. Other better terms would be: vapor, breath, wind, absurd, unknowable, mysterious.
Eccl 1:2 in other versions of scripture…
NIV: “Meaningless! Meaningless!”
says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless.”
Name of God Bible: 2 “Absolutely pointless!” says the spokesman. “Absolutely pointless! Everything is pointless.”
Living Bible: 2 In my opinion, nothing is worthwhile; everything is futile.
Common English Bible: Perfectly pointless,says the Teacher, perfectly pointless.
Everything is pointless.
Contemporary English Bible: Nothing makes sense! Everything is nonsense.
I have seen it all— nothing makes sense!
Orthodox Jewish Bible: 2 Hevel havalim, saith Kohelet, hevel havalim; all is hevel. (and this is largely an English bible, they just don’t know what to translate the word to…)
Here we can make a connection to Genesis.
Genesis 4:8
KJV 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother:
Orthodox Jewish Bible 8 And Kayin talked with Hevel his brother;
The word hevel being used in Ecclesiastes is the same as the name of Abel in Genesis. Hevel.
A better reading of hevel, then, and one that provides us with an extremely important tool for understanding both Genesis and Ecclesiastes, takes us back to the root meaning of the word (the root being HVL) : Vapor or mist. What is important about the life of Abel is not its futility, but its transience. It was as fleeting as a puff of air, yet his life’s calling was nonetheless fulfilled.
This, too, is the meaning of hevel in Ecclesiastes: Not the dismissive “vanity,” but the more objective “transience,” referring strictly to mortality and the fleeting nature of human life. “Fleeting transience (hevel havalim),” says Kohelet, “All is fleeting.” Or, read another way: Abel is every man. Without the negative connotations of “vanity,” we discover in Kohelet (the Preacher, the writer of Eccl) a man who is tormented not by the meaninglessness of life, but by how swiftly it comes to an end. Life is gone so very quickly, and likewise man’s worldly deeds. We now understand the significance of Kohelet’s opening proclamation that “all is hevel.” He seeks to confront his listeners with man’s own mortality-the underlying premise of any inquiry into the meaning of life in this world
(end blog)
Fleeting transience, all is fleeting…gives a much different meaning.
If the Preacher was indeed Solomon, it could represent the changes in his life as he matured. First, as a young king, he experienced revelations via dreams when he asked for wisdom and in dedicating the temple (We will see in Proverbs).
In his later years, however, he left Jehovah for other gods and philosophies. And become more like the Preacher we are reading here…
The old Preacher does not look to heaven for answers, as did David who knew God would not leave him in hell, or Job who looked forward to the resurrection.
Ecclesiastes shows the end state of man when they seek answers to life only through reasoning and philosophy.
Still his counsel that we cannot know all things is correct, and he counsels,
Eccl 12:13-14 (last verses) 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Proverbs
“Wisdom literature” is quite distinct from the rest of the Bible in that no mention is made of Moses and his writings nor of many of the other traditional figures and histories. The sayings contained in the biblical Wisdom literature is more akin to similar proverbial sayings found throughout the Ancient Near East, especially in Egypt.
- The primary author was thought to be Solomon.
- "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel." (Proverbs 1:1)
- Solomon spoke or compiled 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (see 1 Kings 4:32)
- Whether he was both the author and compiler is not known.
Despite the attribution to Solomon, most of the proverbs do not clearly attribute authorship or make reference to him. They are generally presented as a father’s wise counsels to his son.
In fact, a number of the proverbs are attributed in the text to other possible authors besides Solomon “the wise” (chapters 22-23),
Agur (chapter 30),
Prov 30: 1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
Lemuel (chapter 31 — I bet you didn’t realize Lemuel was so wise!!). Some of the proverbs are said to have been collected under the direction of King Hezekiah.
Prov 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
(OT Manual) "The proverbs in this book are not so much popular sayings as the distillation of the wisdom of teachers who knew the law of God and were applying its principles to the whole of life." (quoted in Old Testament Student Manual, p13)
The Strange Woman and Lady Wisdom
Two recurring figures in the Proverbs are:
1. The “strange woman” (an adulteress or prostitute; see, e.g., ch. 2, 5, 7) and
2. The female figure of Wisdom (see ch. 1, 8).
While the “strange woman” is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, Lady Wisdom is completely praiseworthy and is to be sought out with great diligence. One leads to death and the other to eternal life. While these metaphors may be taken as a lesson on morality/chastity, it is apparent that early Jews and Christians saw in the opposing symbols of these two allegorical women a much broader spectrum of applications.
The Harlot leads to all evil, to death — away from the ways of Truth and Wisdom.
(NKJV) Prov 2:16 To deliver you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words,
17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.
Prov 5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
Prov 7: 5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
“Running after” or “going in unto” the Prostitute is symbolic of apostasy from the truth. This is what John had in mind in the New Testament apocalypse.
Rev 17: 1-2…I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
This is an apostate imitation of the Great Lady who was clothed with the Sun, who was the Mother of the Messiah, also noted in Revelations but in chapter 12…
Rev 12: 1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
in contrast with…
The Whore who was (rev 17:4)..arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth.
This “Strange Woman” represents the Great and Abominable Church, the Apostate Temple.
Wisdom, on the other hand, represented all that was holy, pure, and true. She is depicted in John’s revelation as the Mother of the Son of God who was forced to flee into the wilderness. Her place is temporarily taken by the Harlot, but after the latter’s great fall, Lady Wisdom was to return in the last days in all her glory. She is the true Church and Temple. She is the Tree of Life standing by the Throne of God.
Prov 3: 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
19 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
Many scholars see in Lady Wisdom a perpetuation of an ancient Hebrew belief in a Mother Goddess who was with God in the beginning and participated with him in the Creation. Proverbs 8 is an example of the perpetuation of this belief (we will get to in a minute…)
Male/Female?
The idea that the Creator was both male and female makes sense in light of Gen. 1:26–27 where we are told that God said “Let us create man in our image” and Man was created both male and female. Wisdom was the Queen of Heaven, the Heavenly Mother, and we are told that “happy is the man that findeth wisdom” (Prov. 3:13). Many Jewish commentators will say that God is sex-less or encompasses both sexes.
When you study Jewish literature about “Our” (Let us make man in OUR image”) you will find many interesting speculations. What are the possibilities if man is not created yet and not created until…day 6.
1. Mother in Heaven (Wisdom?)
2. God with some sort of dual-nature that made him use “Our” (but then why does he use singular pronouns in other places…)
3. The animals?
The Jewish belief is there were no angels or others to be the OUR. The first temple belief has angels. The second temple belief is that there are not angels
Other Proverbs
PROVERBS 2:2-6. Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding comes from the Lord.
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
PROVERBS 3:5-7. Trust in the Lord, not in our own understanding.
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Other Teachings From Proverbs
- PROVERBS 6:16-19.
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
"He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife." (Proverbs 28:25)
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20)
PROVERBS 13:24 & PROVERBS 22:6.
4 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Parents must take an active role in teaching correct principles to their children and "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost" (D&C 121:43).
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: "We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention." (Ensign, June 1971, p72)
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Following are a few additional verses from Proverbs:
-
Discretion shall preserve thee." (2:11)
- "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble." (4:19)
- "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." (8:11)
- "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." (10:4)
- "Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly." (16:22)
- "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (17:22)
- "Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread." (20:13)
- "It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman." (21:19)
- "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." (23:7)
- A simple, yet profound statement on the power of thought.
- "Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain." (25:14)
- "As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife." (26:21)
- "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (27:17)
- "As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people." (28:15)
- "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." (29:15)
- "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (29:18)
In summary, Proverbs is a collection of almost random concepts and ideas that focus on a few major concepts. Given my rant against the aged preacher above, the Proverbs of Solomon would come from his earlier life when he sought direction from Jehovah.
1. The wise versus fools.
2. Trustinq God.
(The older Solomon would have been wise to follow his own counsel. As the Preacher, he leaned solely on his own understanding, worshiping other gods.)
3. The virtue and wisdom of good women.
In Proverbs 3-4, we learn about her: "happy is the man that finds wisdom....She is more precious than rubies" (3:13-15). When men find a virtuous/wise woman, he is blessed even as God is blessed with his wife Wisdom.
"She is a Tree of Life" (3:18) ties the goddess and man's wife (Eve) to the Garden. In Nephi's Vision of the Tree of Life, he saw the tree represented the mother of God (Mary), and Jesus was her fruit (1 Nephi 11:7-23).
In Proverbs 8, Wisdom speaks directly to us.
Proverbs 8 King James Version (KJV)
8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward (perverse) mouth, do I hate.
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.
36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Who is Wisdom?
She is in the high places and in the groves set up at the cities's gates. She is Asherah, the wife of God. "my mouth shall speak truth", "wisdom is better than rubies", "counsel is mine...I am understanding", "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me", "then I was by him (God-in the beginning), as one brought up with him." As Eve with Adam, Wisdom has been God's constant companion.
At least that was the belief early on…
Other Books of Solomon
There are other ancient books of wisdom attributed to Solomon. Let's look at two of them.
Psalms of Solomon were written about 50 BC, as they detail Pompey's military actions in Judea and his death in 48 BC. It calls the Pharisees the righteous, with the Sadduccees as the sinners. It discusses the sins of the Jews, including adultery and incest. Because of their sins, God sent Pompey to ransack and humble the people. The gathering of Israel from everywhere, including the "isles afar off." He foresees the coming of the Messiah, the "son of David" when he shall destroy the godless nations.
Odes of Solomon contain beautiful songs of peace and joy. There is no major agreement of when it was written, but one possibility is they are songs of praise and prophesy from newly baptized Christians in the 1st century AD.
Ode 3:9-11 talks about deification, or becoming like god. Modern christians struggle with this idea, but it is part of our theology:
"And because I shall love him that is the Son, I shall become a son; for he that is joined to him that is immortal, will also himself become immortal; and he who has pleasure in the Living One shall become living."
This clearly shows a person hoping for eternal life through Christ. Deification. Man becoming like God.
Ode 7:5 enhances this concept: "He became like me in order that I may receive Him."
Some odes provide descriptive beauty:
"As the sun is the joy to them that seek for its daybreak, so is my joy the Lord; because he is my sun and his rays have lifted me up; and his light hath dispelled all darkness from my face" (15:1-2).
The editors of The Forgotten Books of Eden noted (these editors wrote “headings” for these Odes, much like the headings are written in our scriptures. They are explanations for the Odes) the following for Ode 23 …
Ode 23: "The reference to the sealed document sent by God is one of the great mysteries of the collection."
Here we will quote it at length in order to show that the Book of Mormon is one possible answer to the mystery. Listen also to the Wheel which is akin to the Stone that is cut out of the mountain without hands…
Odes of Solomon 23:5 And His thought was like a letter; His will descended from on high, and it was sent like an arrow which is violently from the bow: 6 And many hands rushed to the letter to seize it and to take and read it: 7 And it escaped their fingers and they were affrighted at it and at the seal that was upon it.
8 Because it was not permitted to them to loose its seal: for the power that was over the seal was greater than they. 9 But those who saw it went after the letter that they might know where it would alight, and who should read it and who should hear it.
10 But a wheel received it and came over it: 11 And there was with it a sign of the Kingdom and of the Government: 12 And everything which tried to move the wheel it mowed and cut down: 13 And it gathered the multitude of adversaries, and bridged the rivers and crossed over and rooted up many forests and made a broad path. 14 The head went down to the feet for down to the feet ran the wheel, and that which was a sign upon it. 15 The letter was one of command, for there were included in it all districts;
16 And there was seen at its head, the head which was revealed even the Son of Truth from the Most High Father, 17 And He inherited and took possession of everything (second coming). And the thought of many was brought to nought. 18 And all the apostates hasted and fled away. And those who persecuted and were enraged became extinct, 19 And the letter was a great volume, which was wholly written by the finger of God: 20 And the name of the Father was on it and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, to rule for ever and ever. Hallelujah.”
Here we see a letter or book/volume that is sealed. Some tried to read it, but could not read a sealed book. Still, they sought after it, even as many sought to steal the gold plates from Joseph Smith. A wheel with the sign/authority of God takes it. Like Daniel's stone cut out of the mountain without hands (Daniel 12:44-45), it established the kingdom of God on earth so the Son of Truth could take possession of the earth. The letter is the beginning of God's kingdom leading to his enemies becoming extinct. It signals the Restoration and the beginning of God’s kingdom taking its place on earth. It bears the name of the Godhead, written by God's finger or by his power, even as the Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God. This letter may be the Book of Mormon, some of its plates sealed. The restoration of his kingdom and all ancient things are part and parcel of preparing a kingdom for Christ's 2nd Coming.
In some of the odes we learn (again) about the early Christian belief in deification, or becoming like God. Here is the heading for Ode 36…“Theologians have never agreed on an explanation of this perplexing Ode.”
Ode 36 states:
“1 I rested in the Spirit of the Lord: and the Spirit raised me on high: 2 And made me stand on my feet in the height of the Lord, before His perfection and His glory, while I was praising Him by the composition of His songs. 3 The Spirit brought me forth before the face of the Lord: and, although a son of man, I was named the Illuminate, the Son of God: 4 While I praised amongst the praising ones, and great was I amongst the mighty ones.
5 For according to the greatness of the Most High, so He made me: and like His own newness He renewed me; and He anointed me from His own perfection: 6 And I became one of His Neighbours; and my mouth was opened; like a cloud of dew; 7 And my heart poured out as it were a gushing stream of righteousness, 8 And my access to Him was in peace; and I was established by the Spirit of His government. Hallelujah.”
Converts become "illuminates" or mirror images of the Son of God. As Jesus said that if we see him we see the Father, so we see Christ reflected in the illuminate. We are made "as great as the Most High." We are Anointed (hebrew: Messiah, greek: Christ) from his perfection. We become neighbors or friends of God. Paul called us "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ."
While many modern Christians recoil at the thought of deification, ancient Christians believed Jesus came to make us divine.
Conclusion
The writings attributed to Solomon, both in the Bible and outside the canon, have a lot of wonderful thoughts and concepts to offer us. As we gain wisdom by using our reasoning, and then add revelation upon it, we can gain even greater insights into the workings of God and his dealings with mankind on earth.
Bibliography
David Larsen’s Heavenly Ascent Blog on lesson 31. He shares more on the concept of Wisdom being God’s wife:http://www.heavenlyascents.com/2010/08/14/biblical-wisdom-literature-proverbs-and-ecclesiastes-ot-lesson-31/
Odes of Solomon:http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/odes.html
Psalms of Solomon:http://www.goodnewsinc.net/othbooks/psalmsol.html
Daniel Peterson, “Nephi’s Asherah”:http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=9&num=2&id=223
“Ecclesiastes: the traditional Hebrew text with the new JPS translation” By Michael V. Fox
http://books.google.com/books?id=TX9DuDb9hgQC&pg=PR12&lpg=PR12&dq=what+philosophy+type+is+Ecclesiastes%3F&source=bl&ots=UjUDpoYh_c&sig=x2zT-m3I9Q3bdqDGZnHdq_9eA8o&hl=en&ei=XxdsTMaTMomcnwfMlJjkAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=what%20philosophy%20type%20is%20Ecclesiastes%3F&f=false
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