Reading for December 18th

Read Ecclesiastes 1.12-18. In 1.12-18: The Teachers' experiment. Though any king of the southern kingdom would fit this description, Solomon is likely implied. In verse 13: Mind: In Hebrew, "heart," the seat of thinking. Wisdom refers to practical as well as speculative, knowledge. The Teacher begins with an empirical investigation into what is useful in life. In verse 14: Chasing after wind: Literally, "shepherding the wind," a futile exertion of energy.. This phrase will be repeated 8 more times in Ecclesiastes. In verse 15: Given the proverbial ring of the statement, some suggest that the Teacher is quoting a well-known saying. In verse 17: Wisdom, madness, folly: The list of items from one extreme to the other suggests the complete range of experience. In verse 18: A second proverbial statement, likely original to the Teacher. Comments or Questions..