The Yirei Elokim says we can't rely on our own opinions.. but isn't everything we believe our own opinion? It could be based in something else, something greater than us, something beyond us, whatever, but what we believe is our own interpretation of those things. This ultimately means that it's our opinions that we believe in. Are we all really horrible because of this?! Especially in Judaism we have different people who believe and follow different things. Putting aside the obvious sect differences, our whole Gemara is just people arguing back and forth! Gahh. Aren't these our own opinions? Or just other people's opinions that we are following? Or our interpretation of their opinions? ARE WE USING BAS WISDOM?! ARE WE BEING ENSNARED?!
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| Sorry it's not Tznius.. but this is what came up when I googled 'ensnaring woman' and I thought it was too good. |
Another point Rachel and I brought up is.. this whole Kohelet thing is totally rigged (almost like Kochav Ha'ba!). We all know that the Yirei Elokim is going to end up winning because at the end of the day.. G-d always wins. It's totally not fair to the other characters who have some decent points. Also, how is this going to look to those that don't believe in G-d? They're going to read this book, maybe even looking to 'connect' to G-d, and they're going to get even more frustrated!! If it was me I would say, "Oh my gosh. G-d just always wins. This is totally ridiculous." Not to mention, the Yirei Elokim has been a big meanie at times.. how is he gonna win?
What are your thoughts?
Is Kohelet rigged?
Do you think the Yirei Elokim should 'win?'
Do you think we're all using bad wisdom?
PS - I found this totally cool collage about Kohelet. Thought you guys would enjoy it.
I like your points, but I don't fully agree that everything is about our opinions. When it comes to reality, sometimes opinions aren't always the best choice. Sometimes you need fact and law to keep everyones' priorities set straight.
ReplyDeleteG-d might always win in the end, but that's because he's omnipotent. G-d has the most power ever and there is no way to top Him in power. There is no way He couldn't win. Even if you think He does something wrong, He will always have a reason for doing it.
I also had a similar feeling that Kohelet was "rigged," if you will, as soon as the Yirai Elokim came into the picture. I suppose that the overall lesson that one could glean from this is that God will always triumph in the end, but I see what you're saying about how it could be "unfair" to the other personalities in the sefer that don't get a "real chance." Perhaps this whole concept is meant as something we should learn from.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the Yirei Elokim is not going to "win"
ReplyDeleteThe point of the Yirei Elokim is to try and to have a partnership with G-d, but how can you try if you have no desire to impact the world, be wise and realistic, or to enjoy yourself. What else can you be trying to accomplish. I think that all the different types of man need to stem from the Yirei Elokim. You can't impact the world, be wrise and realistic, or enjoy life without the help from G-d.