The portrayal begins by ascribing wisdom to Qoheleth. For this reason the term “Sage” is preferable to “Teacher” or “Preacher,” since these usual translations have modern professional connotations that could mislead English readers. Ecclesiastes certainly evinces skepticism regarding elements of wisdom, as that tradition is typically depicted in critical Old Testament scholarship. Nevertheless, Eccl. 12:9 is not ironic in predicating wisdom to the Sage, since the argument of this passage