Why pessimism

In reviewing for test number two, I came across the biblical books of Ecclesiastes and Job again, the books of pessimism. I was then struck with a question: if the bible is a source of meaning and “light” for the Christian religion, then why are these supposedly pessimistic readings included?
After some thought, I was able to come up with two possible conclusions. First, I deemed the bible a source of hope and meaning for the Christian religion. This is no doubt a true statement; after all, many Christian rights follow the bible as if it is a how-to manual for life. WWJD comes to mind here. But then it occurred to me that this how-to manual is goal oriented, as if there is a prize at the end. This prize, at least to the Christian religion, is a place in the Kingdom of God, or Heaven. So perhaps it can be said that the bible is a how-to manual to live life out here on earth, while in mortal form. Looking through this perspective, it might be deduced that many parts in the bible are a description of life on earth, which is certainly a pessimistic one, to say the least. If this is the case, then one could almost make the argument that there aren’t enough books like Job and Ecclesiastes in the bible.
Option number two. This choice is much more simplistic than the first one, for it is simply the assumption that life is hard, and thus there must inherently be moments of pessimism associated with it. After all, the readings of Job and Ecclesiastes don’t do much to boost enthusiasm in the Christian faith. Humans are presented as “mere gad flies,” insignificant playthings for divinities to play with. In the case of Job, for example, God puts Job and his family through unimaginable hardships all for a mere bet. When Job has finally worn his patience to the breaking point and asks God why he has punished him, God’s answer is that his power is incomprehensibly great, and thus who is Job to even question his ways. That’s enough to make me want to go join the choir.
Regardless, I think that the implementations of pessimism that are contained in the books of Job and Ecclesiastes are necessary if the bible is to have any validity at all. I consider myself a bit of a realist, and I think that the stories of troubled times add a degree of realism and believability to the bible as a whole. Anyway, I must continue with my studies. Good luck to everyone!