Chapter 5: Ketuvim

Question 1

Which Old Testament section focuses on practical and ethical guidance for living a wise and moral life? (Torah, Ketuvim, Nabiim)

Answer 1

Ketuvim

Question 2

Which of the following books wrestles with the question of why the righteous suffer? (Proverbs, Job, Daniel)

Answer 2

Job

Question 3

Which book cautions against relying solely on human wisdom? (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms)

Answer 3

Ecclesiastes

Question 4

Who is the author of Ecclesiastes? (Solomon, David, Moses)

Answer 4

Solomon

Question 5

Which book does emphasize the limitations of human wisdom and the complexities of life? (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes)

Answer 5

Ecclesiastes

Question 6

Which of the following is a key moral reflection in the Book of Ecclesiastes? (Human wisdom is always superior to faith, Life’s uncertainties require humility and reliance on God, Suffering is always a punishment)

Answer 6

Life’s uncertainties require humility and reliance on God

Question 7

True or False
The Ketuvim is the third section of the Hebrew Bible, following the Torah and Nevi’im.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

True or False
The Book of Job suggests that the righteous always receive immediate rewards for their virtue.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

True or False
Proverbs teaches that the pursuit of wisdom is unrelated to one’s faith in God.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

True or False
Ecclesiastes emphasizes the value of earthly pleasures above all else.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

True or False
The fear of the Lord is presented as a moral foundation in Wisdom Literature.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

True or False
According to Proverbs, foolishness leads to destruction.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

True or False
The Book of Job highlights that human morality and God’s purposes are always easily understood.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

True or False
Ecclesiastes encourages people to focus on eternal perspectives over temporal ones.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

The Ketuvim, or Writings, is the ______ section of the Hebrew Bible.

Answer 15

Third

Question 16

The fear of the Lord is presented as the beginning of ______ in Proverbs.

Answer 16

Wisdom

Question 17

The Book of ______ wrestles with the moral question of why the righteous suffer.

Answer 17

Job

Question 18

Ecclesiastes reflects on the ______ and complexities of life.

Answer 18

Uncertainties

Question 19

Job’s integrity in the face of suffering highlights the moral virtue of ______.

Answer 19

Faithfulness

Question 19

Proverbs emphasizes the importance of ______ living and its moral consequences. Answer: ethical

Answer 19

Ethical

Question 20

Ecclesiastes encourages a _________ perspective that values the eternal over the temporal.

Answer 20

Moral

Question 21

Job challenges the simplistic notions of ______, emphasizing that human understanding of morality may not always align with God’s purposes.

Answer 21

Retribution

Question 22

What is the Hebrew term for the third section of the Hebrew Bible?

Answer 22

Ketuvim

Question 23

What is the primary theme of the Book of Proverbs?

Answer 23

Practical Wisdom & Moral Guidance

Question 24

What does Ecclesiastes say about the pursuit of wealth and earthly achievements?

Answer 24

Meaningless without moral foundation

Question 25

According to Proverbs, what is the beginning of wisdom?

Answer 25

The fear of the Lord

Question 26

In the Book of Job, what is highlighted as a key moral virtue amid suffering?

Answer 26

Integrity & Faithfulness

Question 27

What does righteousness lead to, according to the book of Proverbs?

Answer 27

Life & Prosperity

Question 28

What is the primary theme of the Book of Proverbs?

Answer 28

Wisdom

Question 29

Which book reflects on life’s meaning and limitations?

Answer 29

Ecclesiastes

Question 30

What is Job’s moral virtue in the face of suffering?

Answer 30

Integrity

Question 31

Which book in the Ketuvim reflects on the complexities of human existence?

Answer 31

Ecclesiastes

Question 32

What virtue does Proverbs associate with righteousness?

Answer 32

Prosperity

Question 33

Answer in one or two sentences:
How do you understand the moral foundations in the Book of Proverbs?

Answer 33

The Book of Proverbs provides moral guidance on various aspects of life, emphasising the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. It encourages virtues such as honesty, humility, diligence, and integrity.

Question 34

Answer in one or two sentences:
How does the Book of Job address the issue of suffering and integrity?

Answer 34

The Book of Job wrestles with the moral question of why do the righteous suffer. Job’s unwavering integrity and refusal to curse God in the face of immense suffering highlight the moral virtue of trust and faithfulness even amid adversity.

Question 35

Answer in one or two sentences:
How does the Book of Ecclesiastes explain the temporal and eternal perspectives?

Answer 35

Ecclesiastes encourages a moral perspective that values the eternal over the temporal. The pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and earthly achievements, when detached from a moral and ethical foundation, is portrayed as ultimately meaningless.

Question 36

Answer in one or two sentences:
Illustrate with an example, how do you understand the theme ‘Moral consequences’ in Wisdom Literature?

Answer 36

The understanding of moral cause and effect encourages individuals to make choices aligned with ethical principles. Proverbs, for instance, emphasises that righteousness leads to life and prosperity, while wickedness leads to destruction.

Question 37

Answer in a paragraph:
Explain the moral insights found in the Book of Proverbs?

Answer 37

a. Moral Foundations: The Book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom, often presented in the form of short sayings. It provides moral guidance on various aspects of life, emphasising the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. The book encourages virtues such as honesty, humility, diligence, and integrity.
b. Ethical Living: Proverbs stresses the importance of moral living in both personal conduct and relationships. It teaches that wisdom leads to righteousness, while foolishness leads to destruction. The emphasis on the moral consequences of one’s actions underscores the ethical framework presented in the book.

Question 38

Answer in a paragraph:
Write any TWO reflections on ‘morality’ in Wisdom Literature?

Answer 38

(Any TWO)
1. Ethical Foundations: Wisdom Literature in Ketuvim establishes a foundation for ethics grounded in reverence for God, moral virtues, and the pursuit of wisdom. The fear of the Lord, as highlighted in Proverbs, serves as the moral compass guiding human actions.
2. Moral Consequences: There is a consistent theme across these books regarding the moral consequences of human choices. Proverbs, for instance, emphasises that
righteousness leads to life and prosperity, while wickedness leads to destruction. This understanding of moral cause and effect encourages individuals to make choices aligned with ethical principles.
3. Complexity of Morality: Job and Ecclesiastes add depth to the moral reflections by acknowledging the complexities and challenges inherent in living a virtuous life. Job’s experience challenges simplistic notions of retribution, emphasising that moral living does not always result in immediate rewards or punishment. Ecclesiastes, on the other hand, reflects on the limitations of human wisdom and the complexities of life.
4. Integration of Faith and Ethics: Wisdom Literature integrates faith with ethical living. The fear of the Lord is presented as the foundation of wisdom, shaping moral decisions and actions. This integration emphasises the interconnectedness of religious devotion and moral conduct.

Question 39

Write an essay:
What are the moral insights found in the Book of Ecclesiastes?

Answer 39

a. Philosophical Reflection on Life: Ecclesiastes, attributed to King Solomon, reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. The book acknowledges the uncertainties and complexities of life, cautioning against relying solely on human wisdom. The recognition of life’s limitations contributes to a moral humility and a focus on what truly matters.
b. Temporal and Eternal Perspectives: Ecclesiastes encourages a moral perspective that values the eternal over the temporal. The pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and earthly achievements, when detached from a moral and ethical foundation, is portrayed as ultimately meaningless.