In reading over the conversation about the last post, I’ll admit that I too have been bothered by what Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes. Am thinking there are some of us who would rather that our daughters or wives not hear Solomon saying, “This is my conclusion,” says the Teacher. “I discovered this after looking at the matter from every possible angle. Though I have searched repeatedly, I have not found what I was looking for. Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one woman! But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path” (Ecc 7:27-29).
To this example don’t we also wonder how the Scripture can say that it is better to live on a housetop or in the wilderness than with a contentious wife (Prov 21:9; Prov 21:19)—without adding similar proverbs acknowledging that it would be better to live alone than with an angry, self-centered, or abusive husband.
On the other hand, there is the warning to go from the presence of an angry man (Prov 22:24). And Solomon’s own backstory is a matter of record (1Kings 11:1-9).
Who can deny that we see our world not only as it is, but as we are.
Thankfully, we are talking about excerpts of a bigger story that begins and ends far better than the self-revealing wisdom and foolishness it records along the way.
Yet, given the way the Bible has usually been used, taught, pieced out, and parted, don’t you wonder why women seem more inclined than men to embrace its vision and Christ?
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