Qoheleth’s Use of Proverbial Sayings: The Example of Ecclesiastes 7:1–12

Abstract

There is no evidence that Ecclesiastes, either the body of the book or the epilogue, is interested in the question of its relation to the book of Proverbs. The epilogue does not quote or allude to Proverbs. Qoheleth’s use of proverbs is not derived from the book of Proverbs but must be studied in its own right in the expectation that it will throw light on this author’s method and message. The Epilogist in 12:9 specifically comments on Qoheleth’s use of proverbs, and 7:1–12 provide an extended example of how he handles proverbs. His use of proverbs shows that his teaching is in the mainstream of the wisdom movement, for he works in much the same way as the author of Proverbs. Qoheleth places proverbs in a certain order, adjusts their wording, and adds his own comments to them. The contents of 7:1–12 serve the positive purpose of teaching readers how to handle proverbs, and by means of proverbs, Qoheleth teaches people to look more deeply at the issues of life.