Proverbs Archives - Profoundly Simple

Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Isaiah, remind me of the trestles on the bike ride. We can give them a quick glance or deeper look as we connect them to their surroundings.

Trestles

On this bike ride several elements made the ride a bit shaky – gravel, dark tunnels, and now a series of trestles. Watching a train travel over a trestle was one thing, riding a bike over it was quite another.

The first trestle was really high. I preferred to ride more toward the center and away from the edges. The span wire that served as a guard rail appeared more like a suggestion than a protective barrier. Still seated on my bike I placed my foot on the equivalent of a curb and looked out across the valley – but only briefly looked down.

I could barely get up off my bike to take a look. I was finally getting used to this bike and the gravel path on which I pedaled. Adding the dimension of height and a flimsy looking barrier made this stretch of the ride a bit tenuous.

At the first trestle I did appreciate the expansive view. In the distance I noticed a parade of miniature bikes among the trees. It took me a moment to realize I was looking at riders who were farther ahead of me on the trail.

Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah

This reminds me of the next few books of the Bible, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Isaiah, which brought recognition to my Bible path as I connected them to other aspects of Scripture.

Solomon

Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon, were both written by Solomon. Yes, that Solomon, author of Proverbs, which we mentioned last week. He was also King David’s son.

Just a little insight on Solomon. He asked God for wisdom and he received. But later in life he didn’t use his God-given wisdom. He made bad choices, allowed himself to be influenced by others, and fell away from God. Ecclesiastes reflects the wrestling he experienced.

You may be familiar with Ecclesiastes chapter 3, how everything has its season.

Song of Songs presents a love story and also represents the love of Christ for His bride, the church.

Learn more about Solomon

A fun exercise might be to skim Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, in light of knowing they were all written by the same author.

For a fuller picture, go back to Solomon’s story in 1 Kings.

See patterns

Much like connecting Solomon to some books of the Bible, at this point on the trail I started to see patterns. I had seen some of these elements before – a tunnel, a bridge, and now a few trestles.

Information

We also came across information boards, either a map to show us “you are here” or some history about the train that had gone through that section.

This reminds me of the moment when I could see across the valley and note movement in the distance. Eventually I could discern the places from which I had ridden. I started to recognize where I had been which helped me better understand where I was on the route.

Scripture tie-ins

If you’ve followed me through this path in the Bible, you’ve probably started to notice some of that too, how elements and sections of Scripture tie in to other places in the Word.

Isaiah

That leads to the third book of the Bible mentioned in this post – Isaiah, the first of the prophetic books, called a Major Prophet because of its length. Minor Prophets are the shorter books.

Trestle over the water

It also brings me to the trestle that was most rewarding, the one over the water.

The creek

The creek at long last. I think I heard it before I saw it. I felt compelled to look down over the edge of this bridge with the flimsy railing – in spite of my trepidation – to see and not just hear the rushing water.

So I stepped up onto the curb and leaned over the side to see the water far below. The reward was wonderful. Not only could I hear the refreshing water but I could drink it in with my own eyes.

Appreciate the flowing water

By the time I reached that particular trestle I had enough confidence to peer over the side to really appreciate the flowing water.

Jesus

The Book of Isaiah is where we here of the promised Messiah, Jesus.

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV

For me, that’s the rushing water of truth in Isaiah. The life-giving water of God’s Presence.

We can read this passage of Scripture the same way we did the Psalms. Find the aspect of the phrase that really speaks to our hearts, our situation, our need. What reassurance this provides.

If we think of God as He appears in these verses, we can receive the comfort we need in times of distress.

The rushing water of the creek below the trestle was peace like a river for my soul.

A bike and the Bible – Esther Job Psalms Proverbs – part 10

Want a few reminders about Solomon?

A bike and the Bible – 1 and 2 Kings to Nehemiah – part 9

Esther, Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, like the shorter tunnels on the bike ride, can feel like a mix of dark and light. There are still some convoluted places, but more light.

Bike trail and more tunnels

After the second tunnel of the ride – which as I mentioned last week, caught me off guard – we were back to bike trail out in the open. We came across a few tunnels, but all were much smaller and most of the time I could see the light shining through to the other end, making this section of trail much more approachable than the initial long tunnel.

Approachable

These next four books of the Bible – Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs – are like that too.

Esther

The Book of Esther might confuse with all those names and details, but it is fairly short and reads like a story complete with hero and villain. The main character, Esther, inspires as she pushes through her fear to follow God’s lead in her life.

Job

Right after Esther comes Job (rhymes with robe). Much like the section of bike trail that ran right into a tunnel, Job leads straight into darkness. If you thought your life had challenges, Job really has a rough go of it.

One thing the Book of Job has going for it is the format. This book reads like a play which could be called Job and his unhelpful friends. After Job’s life falls apart, his well-intentioned friends offer advice, but they blame Job for his problems. Job’s perspective changes when he focuses on God and not on his problems.

Anybody notice a theme with these two books?

Psalms

The Book of Psalms leads us back into the light of day after the darkness of Job, if not from the content, then at least from the length of the Psalms. I really like the Psalms because of the varied number of verses of each text and the layers of feelings represented. They cover the gamut of emotions often reflecting the raw experience of the author or intended audience.

Proverbs

I think of Proverbs as the fortune cookie of the Bible, often short phrases to ponder. Some are more straightforward than others. Some require a little more thought. So for me, depending on the Proverb, these can either be like the trail in the daylight or another short tunnel.

If we look at the first lines of Proverbs we see they were written by Solomon. Remember him?

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;” Proverbs 1:1-2 NIV

Scripture always available

With any Scripture passage, release the need to fully understand what you read. Scripture is always available to come back to and see something new in.

Esther Job Psalms Proverbs

Esther and Job read as standalone stories, Psalms and Proverbs break up nicely and are often assigned in Bible reading plans along with other sections of Scripture.

So whether you opt for a story format or smaller passages of Scripture, Esther, Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, offer accessible entry into the Bible.

Want a reminder of what comes before these books?