RR Kohelet By David Harwood

Shalom,

We’re nearing the end of our survey of the use of chen and charis in the Tanak and Septuagint. We’ve been looking at when the Hebrew, chen, and its Greek equivalent found in the Septuagint, charis, are found together. Our purpose has been to try to help us appreciate the emotional content intended to be conveyed by the term, “grace”.

Ecclesiastes preserves the words of Kohelet, generally translated as “Teacher.” Kohelet means the spokesperson, or convener, of the Kahal, the assembly. In the United States we have the position of Speaker of the House. He is the Kohelet of Congress. Kohelet’s collected sayings are often quoted as examples of the secular person’s frustrated search for meaning. Attributed to Solomon, we find that nothing besides God and His ways satisfy the human soul. 

Let’s see what the wisest man had to say about favor/grace.

There are two examples of chen/charis in this book. One is hopeful, one, not so much. It is realistic, but not faith inspiring. It basically says that life is capricious.

I further observed under the sun: The race is not to the swift nor the battle to the mighty, nor does bread come to the wise, or wealth to the discerning, or favor (chen/charis) to the skillful; for time and chance befall them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) 

This is a form of wisdom literature that is at war with Proverbs. Proverbs tends to speak of good outcomes for those who are diligent. Compare Ecclesiastes 9:11 with this:

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before obscure people. (Proverbs 22:29) 

“Oh yeah?”, says Kohelet, “Not so fast. The skillful do not always receive chen/charis. Sometimes they remain in obscurity. Deciding factors over a person’s destiny are time and chance, not sowing and reaping.” By the way, I don’t believe this. There is a God who watches over His word and makes certain that we reap what we sow. However, I admit, sometimes it does look like that.

On the other hand, this is hopeful. It sounds more like a comforting principle.

Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious (chen/charis), but the lips of a fool destroy him. (Ecclesiastes 10:12) 

The wise person’s speech causes people to view them favorably. They are gracious words. Words that are appreciated. 

There is a contrast implied in this verse between the speech of the wise and the foolish. The New English translation gives the meaning of the maxim. I agree with its rendering of the text.

The words of a wise person win him favor (chen/charis), but the words of a fool are self-destructive. (Ecclesiastes 10:12 NET) 

Words that are filled with grace/favor gain favor/grace.

Kohelet, Solomon, had a few remarkable visitations from Adonai, but these writings attributed to him do not reflect any spiritual experiences. His logic led him astray, but ultimately, he came to his senses. 

A final word, when all has been heard: Fear God and keep His mitzvot! For this applies to all mankind. God will bring every deed into judgment, including everything that is hidden, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14) 

Please take to heart the encouragement to continue to sow gracious words, words that convey love and honor. Yeshua said this:

“For from the overflow of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45b) 

Cultivate a favorable, appreciative, attitude towards others. As you do, you will speak graciously to people and speak graciously about people. You will reap favor/grace.

Here is The Tree of Life Version’s rendering of Ecclesiastes 10:12.

Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious (chen), but the lips of a fool destroy him. (Ecclesiastes 10:12a) 

The Septuagint gives the sense of this verse like this:

Words from (the) mouth of the wise (gain) favor (charis) (Ecclesiastes 10:12a) 

Be gracious. Be wise. Be blessed.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat14-June-2025 18th of Sivan, 5785 Parashat Beha’alotcha
Nu 11:30-12:16Zec 2:10[14]-4:7Eph 5:8-21