searched to find
The Hebrew root for "searched" is "biqqesh," which implies a diligent and intentional pursuit. This suggests that the Teacher did not merely stumble upon wisdom but actively sought it out. This pursuit reflects a deep commitment to understanding and articulating the complexities of life. It underscores the value of seeking wisdom with purpose and dedication, a principle that resonates with the biblical exhortation to seek wisdom as one would search for hidden treasures (Proverbs 2:4).

delightful sayings
The phrase "delightful sayings" can be understood as words that are pleasing, agreeable, and beneficial. The Hebrew word "ḥepeṣ" conveys a sense of pleasure and desire. The Teacher's aim was not only to convey truth but to do so in a manner that is engaging and memorable. This reflects the biblical principle that truth, when presented beautifully and thoughtfully, can captivate the heart and mind, making it more likely to be embraced and remembered.

to record
The act of recording implies a careful and deliberate process of documentation. The Hebrew word "katab" means to write or inscribe. This suggests that the Teacher was concerned with preserving wisdom for future generations. The written word serves as a lasting testament to truth, allowing it to be passed down and accessed by those who seek understanding. This highlights the importance of Scripture as a divinely inspired record of God's wisdom and revelation.

accurate words
The emphasis on "accurate" words underscores the Teacher's commitment to truthfulness and precision. The Hebrew word "yashar" means straight, right, or correct. This reflects a dedication to integrity and reliability in communication. In a world where misinformation can easily spread, the pursuit of accuracy is a testament to the value placed on truth in the biblical narrative. It reminds believers of the importance of aligning their words and actions with the truth of God's Word.

of truth
The concept of "truth" in this context is rooted in the Hebrew word "emet," which signifies firmness, faithfulness, and reliability. Truth is portrayed as an unchanging and dependable foundation upon which life should be built. In the biblical worldview, truth is not relative but absolute, grounded in the character and revelation of God. The Teacher's dedication to truth serves as a model for believers to seek and uphold truth in all aspects of life, recognizing it as a reflection of God's nature and a guide for righteous living.

"Non satis est pulchra esse poemata; dulcia sunto,
Et quoeunque volent animum auditoris agunto."

"'Tis not enough that poems faultless be,
And fair; let them be tender too, and draw
The hearer by the cord of sympathy." St. Augustine is copious on this subject in his treatise, 'De Doctr. Christ.;' thus (4:26): "Proinde ilia tria, ut intelligant qui audiunt, ut delectentur, ut obediant, etiam in hoc genere agendum est, ubi tenet delectatio principatum .... Sed quis movetur, si nescit quod dicitur? Ant quis tenetur ut audiat, si non delectatur?" And that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The Authorized Version, with its interpolations, does not accurately convey the sense of the original. The sentence is to be regarded as containing phrases in apposition to the "acceptable words" of the first clause; thus: "Koheleth sought to discover words of pleasure, and a writing in sincerity, words of truth. 'The Septuagint has, καὶ γεγραμμένον εὐθύτητος, "a writing of uprightness;" Vulgate, et conscripsit sermones rectissimos. The meaning is that what he wrote had two characteristics - it was sincere, that which he really thought and believed, and it was true objectively. If any reader was disposed to cavil, and to depreciate the worth of the treatise because it was not the genuine work of the celebrated Solomon, the writer claims attention to his production on the ground of its intrinsic qualities, as inspired by the same wisdom which animated his great predecessor.

Parallel Commentaries ...