Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12

Wisdom literature is a category of Old Testament poetry that explores practical questions about living a faithful life. The books of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes are among the books of the Old Testament considered wisdom literature. Unlike other Old Testament writings that focus on the Lord’s dealings with Israel, wisdom literature focuses more on timeless advice and philosophical reflection.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that express truths about life, human nature, and the consequences of righteous and wicked behaviors. While many of the proverbs are attributed to Solomon, the book of Proverbs can be seen as a library of Israelite wisdom literature that was collected over several centuries. A central theme throughout Proverbs is the pursuit of wisdom and its contrast with foolishness.

Many of the proverbs use of a form of poetry known as parallelism. This occurs when a writer expresses an idea and then repeats or contrasts the idea using a similar sentence structure but different words.

Proverbs 16:18 is an example of parallelism in which both parts of the sentence contain similar ideas:

• Pride goeth before destruction,

• and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 15:1 is an example of parallelism in which contrasting ideas are presented:

• A soft answer turneth away wrath:

• but grievous words stir up anger.

The book of Proverbs can be divided as follows:

1. Proverbs 1–9: Ten speeches from a father to a son explaining true wisdom. These speeches are followed by four poems that depict wisdom as a woman.

2. Proverbs 10–29: A broad collection of proverbs focused on wise living.

3. Proverbs 30–31: The words of Agur and the words of King Lemuel’s mother to King Lemuel, which include a description of a virtuous woman.

The concept of fearing the Lord is mentioned repeatedly throughout the book of Proverbs. Regarding this concept, Elder David A. Bednar taught:

“Different from but related to the fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as ‘godly fear’ (Hebrews 12:28) or ‘the fear of the Lord’ (Job 28:28; Proverbs 16:6; Isaiah 11:2–3). Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence. …

“The righteous fear I am attempting to describe encompasses a deep feeling of reverence, respect, and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ (see Psalm 33:8; 96:4), obedience to His commandments (see Deuteronomy 5:29; 8:6; 10:12; 13:4; Psalm 112:1), and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand. Thus, godly fear grows out of a correct understanding of the divine nature and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, a willingness to submit our will to His will, and a knowledge that every man and woman will be accountable for his or her own sins in the Day of Judgment (see Doctrine and Covenants 101:78; Articles of Faith 1:2).

“As the scriptures certify, godly fear ‘is the beginning of knowledge’ (Proverbs 1:7), ‘the instruction of wisdom’ (Proverbs 15:33), a ‘strong confidence’ (Proverbs 14:26), and ‘a fountain of life’ (Proverbs 14:27).”

In the introductory chapters of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman—often referred to as Lady Wisdom. This was a literary device used to make the concept of wisdom more vivid and memorable. Lady Wisdom is contrasted with the adulterous “strange woman,” who seeks to lure the foolish from the path of righteousness.

The tree of life was a common symbol in the ancient Near East. It represented a divine source of life and well-being. It was also sometimes used as a symbol for eternal life. In Proverbs, the tree of life represents the quest for wisdom.

While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder W. Craig Zwick taught: “A ‘soft answer’ consists of a reasoned response—disciplined words from a humble heart. It does not mean we never speak directly or that we compromise doctrinal truth. Words that may be firm in information can be soft in spirit.”

Proverbs 22:15 teaches that “the rod of correction” can help remove foolishness from the heart of a child. Similarly, an earlier verse states, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son.” These scriptures are best understood as figurative expressions emphasizing the importance of loving and consistent discipline. They should not be used as a justification for physical abuse. Modern revelation teaches that discipline should be done in love and righteousness and never by force or violence.

Apart from his name, the scriptures provide no information about King Lemuel. He is thought to have been a non-Israelite king who recorded the wisdom and counsel given to him by his mother. It is not known whether Lemuel was an actual person or a literary creation.

The book of Proverbs ends with an acrostic poem about a woman who symbolizes the outcome of living according to the wisdom found throughout Proverbs. The King James Version of the Bible translates Proverbs 31:10 as “virtuous woman.” However, a more accurate rendering would be “capable woman” or “woman of strength.”

The book of Ecclesiastes records the reflections of a man called the Preacher, who is traditionally thought to be King Solomon. He presents a series of questions about the purpose and meaning of life and emphasizes the futility of life without God. The Preacher also questions the ability of humans to make sense of life from their limited human perspective. He taught that because frustration and hardship are inevitable, there is no need to question why they occur. Instead, trusting in God enables us to accept both our successes and our adversity.

The book of Ecclesiastes can be organized as follows:

1. Ecclesiastes 1–2: The Preacher states that everything in this life is fleeting and will not last. To support this conclusion, he shares futile efforts he made to find meaning and purpose in life through worldly means.

2. Ecclesiastes 3–10: The Preacher explains through many examples that worldly wealth does not last, and frustration in this life is unavoidable.

3. Ecclesiastes 11–12: The Preacher invites everyone to enjoy life as a gift from God. He concludes that obedience to God’s commandments is of lasting importance because one day we will die and God will judge us according to the way we lived.

The phrase “under the sun” (and “under heaven”) is used throughout Ecclesiastes in reference to our mortal life on earth. The Hebrew word translated as “vanity” refers to something that is “fleeting, useless, or of little or no substance.” A prominent theme in Ecclesiastes is that in mortality and from a limited perspective, everything is temporary and quickly fades away.

This phrase has traditionally been understood as a metaphor to act generously to others without expecting immediate return and generosity may be repaid over time. Elder Gerrit W. Gong used this verse to teach a higher truth: “[Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ], ‘all things shall be restored to their proper order’ [Alma 41:4]. This spiritual restoration reflects our works and desires. Like bread upon the water, it restores ‘that which is good,’ ‘righteous,’ ‘just,’ and ‘merciful’ [Alma 41:13].”

Goads are sharp sticks used for prodding cattle. The writer may have been teaching that wise counsel can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful, but it is meant to guide toward a better course.

• David A. Bednar, “Therefore They Hushed Their Fears,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 46–49

• Dallin H. Oaks, “Trust in the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 26–29

• Paul B. Pieper, “Trust in the Lord,” Liahona, May 2024, 84–86