Life presents us with many obstacles. We need wisdom to handle these problems. Books such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job are part of the wisdom literature of the Bible. These books are filled with timeless wisdom that can be applied to modern life. They provide guidance and advice on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in a variety of situations. These books differ in their approach to the skill of living wisely.

Proverbs, for example, is filled with practical advice on how to live a life of integrity and wisdom. With short sayings and metaphorical comparisons, it encourages readers to be honest, to be humble, and to be wise in their decisions. The setting of instruction in Proverbs is often the home, with the father and mother imparting this precious wisdom to their children (Prov. 1:8; 10:1; 15:20; 20:20; 23:22, 25; 30:11, 17; 31:1).

Ecclesiastes, on the other hand, is a book containing reflections of the “Preacher” as he considered the question of the ultimate meaning of life. While the majority of the book regards the vanity of earthly life “under the sun,” it also encourages readers to find joy and contentment in life while preparing for the final judgment (Ecc. 12:14). The certainty of death ends earthly satisfaction (Ecc. 9:2-6), but one can enjoy God’s gifts and fear Him by keeping His commandments (Ecc. 9:9; 12:13). Young people should remember their Creator while they still have the majority of their lives before them (Ecc. 12:1).

Finally, Job is a book that encourages readers to remain faithful to God, even in the midst of suffering and difficulty. People often turn to the book of Job thinking that the book will explain why they or their loved ones are suffering. But Job is never told why he suffers. With these misguided expectations, it is no wonder that many find the book unsatisfying. The book of Job is more about how God alone is wise. Each person who speaks in the book tries to diagnose the cause for Job’s suffering and provide the corresponding antidote, but none of them really have the right answer. The lesson is that faithful sufferers learn to trust in God without having the answer for their suffering. This is reflected in Job’s statement, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).

These books are part of the larger book—the Bible. With all its various parts, God’s word presents us with the problem of man’s sin and the need for God’s salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus grew in wisdom and displayed great understanding (Lk. 2:40, 47; Mk. 6:2). Jesus lived the ultimate life of integrity. Jesus had wisdom greater than that of Solomon (Lk. 11:31). In Jesus is the wisdom of God hidden from all of the sages that came before Him (1 Cor. 1:24, 30; Col. 2:3). He is the ultimate innocent sufferer who trusted in God even as He was slain for our sins (Lk. 23:46). Wisdom is fully realized in Jesus. By following Him, we can live meaningful lives here on earth and be prepared for the final judgment.