Reading for March 20th

Raed Ecclesiastes 5.1-9. In 5.1-9: Guard yourself. These sayings parallel traditional biblical wisodom: Attendtiveness is better than sacrific (1 Sam 15.22); speech is dangerous and should be minimal (Prov 13.3); and vows require fulfillment (Deut 23.21). While the Teacher advises caution in all things, he does not reject the Temple (house of God). In verse 6; Messenger: Likely a servant of the Temple, collecting the payment of a vow. In verse 7: Fear of God: a common motif in wisdom literature, affirming God's control over all matters. In verses 8-9: Injustice should surprise no one, since it is part ofthe structure of society. King for a plowed field: meaning unclear, perhaps "a king is worth his upkeep" or "the benefits of an ordered society are worth the cost of social oppression," a point of view likely at the upper end of the social hierarchy. Comments or Questions..