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First notice the careful distinction that is drawn between the endeavour to find suitable
words and the result. Koheleth "sought to find out" acceptable words. His search was
satisfactory, for that which was written was in words of truth. Now let us notice the three
characteristics.
1. ACCEPTABLE.--This word has been used in Ecclesiastes before the last chapter,
and in three of the passages it is rendered "purpose" (3: 1, 17; 8: 6). The acceptable
words of Koheleth were words that were exactly suited to express his meaning.
2. UPRIGHT.--This is the term used in 7: 29 to describe the state of man prior to
his fall. Such is the character of the written words of Ecclesiastes.
3. TRUTH.--This is the word used to describe the law (Psa. 119: 142) and
commandments (151). We have such expressions as "words (sayings) of truth"
(Prov. 22: 21). "The Scripture of truth" (Dan. 10: 21). "The law of truth" (Mal. 2: 6).
These three descriptions taken together should cause the believer to hesitate long
before setting aside the "words" of Ecclesiastes as those of a worldly wise misanthrope.
Returning to our structure, we will next note the complete parallel that exists between
the preface and the conclusion, 1: 2 and 12: 8. Before we are given any of the processes
whereby the conclusion is reached, the conclusion is stated, "Vanity of vanities, saith
Koheleth, vanity of vanities; all is vanity".
It must not be imagined that Koheleth intimates that his mind was prejudiced before
he commenced his research. The writer's preface, like that of most writers since, had to
be written when the whole work was accomplished. He states at the beginning, as it
were, his thesis, "All is superlatively vain", and then conducts the reader through the
intricate mazes of investigation to the final statement of chapter 12: 8. "Vanity of
vanities, saith the Koheleth, All is vanity". Whatever our private opinions of this book
may be, we cannot charge the writer with either inconsistency or of wandering. His
proposition and his proof are in sight throughout the book, as we shall see more clearly
when we trace this special feature through. Another feature that is constant is that which
is brought out in the structure, namely, the process of investigation. Chapter 1: 12, 13
reads:--
"I, Koheleth, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek and
search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven."
So in the conclusion (12: 9) we read:--
"And moreover, because Koheleth was wise, he still taught the people knowledge;
Yea, he gave good heed, and sought out and set in order many proverbs."
We have in the first paper of this series sought to show the connection both of theme
and wording that exists between Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. Here, Koheleth tells us that
many of his proverbs were sought out and set in order after the experience recorded in