Solomon's Sorrows (Ecclesiastes)

I am about to finish my introduction to a commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes. It is just over 3,000 words. I think sometimes early next week, I will proceed with the commentary proper in the first half of chapter 1. It may take some time this proposed new book, unlike the commentary on John's Gospel that took less than 4 months in total written over two periods in 2024 and 2026. In between I pastored a church for 15 months and could not write a single paragraph during my pastorate. I will strive to finish this new proposed commentary before end of the year, God willing. Then I might proceed to write a Romans' commentary as I have a course to teach in West Malaysia next June 2027.

I won't plan anything more than that, but if I do not get any appointments, after Romans it might the book of Revelation to be published in 2028 or 2029. Sometimes it is good to have plans so that your mind is set on doing something rather than nothing. But reading Ecclesiastes in the last few days brought back many memories. towards the end of chapter one, Solomon said "the increase of knowledge comes with increase in sorrows". 

I experienced this often in the past 30 years. Even in the recent years, I felt because I have a certain level of knowledge, or relatively speaking more knowledge than some people, my sorrows also increased. If I pretend to be a fool, I might suffer less. Even now, I can see some people are threatened by my knowledge. 

A retired bishop told me twice, once a few months before he retired and a second time, a few months ago - "Tony they don't know what to do with all your qualifications". I think he was quite sincere and genuine, perhaps as a way to encourage me, yet it tells a story of how one is better off without much knowledge.

However, the Scripture tells us, "My people perish for the lack of knowledge" (Hosea). Most pastors or senior leaders know so little of Greek and Hebrew or none at all, how can one get into a discussion on matters of some complexity based on the original texts. 

Even the name of God controversy would not be a controversy if they have a bit of knowledge on how Hebrew and Greek texts work in terms of naming God, YHWH, Elohim in Hebrew or Theos and Kurios in Greek. I hope my commentary on John 13-21 will start a discussion if not a debate so that we might move beyond arguing over semantics and words used in other languages and translations and not on the languages upon which the Bible is written.