For the past two months, we have been focusing our thoughts on the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon writes this book to share his God-given wisdom with man. Part of that wisdom is recognizing the futility of life, especially when God is not in our life. At the end of chapter 6, Solomon asks the question: “Who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few years of his futile life” (vs 12)?
Indeed, who knows what is good in life? I know what is good for me spiritually and, in broad terms, I know what is good for me financially but often, we simply do not know what is the best decision to make. We do understand, however, that we have to walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7).
Yet Solomon gives us several pictures of the “good” life here in chapter 7. It is where Solomon gives us the “practical side of wisdom.” Solomon uses the word “better” eight times in verses 1-10. But “better” is the same word as “good” in Hebrew and he uses the latter word three times in verses 1-11. So, how does “wisdom” look? Solomon gives us a picture.
Wisdom behaves in a way that brings honor and respect to your reputation (vs 1). It also motivates you to consider the end of your life (or the result of a decision) at the beginning of your life (or decision). To use Stephen Covey’s phrase from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Begin with the end in mind.”
Sorrow causes us to reflect on life and to offer a word of encouragement to others (vs 3). Wisdom listens to the advice of others who have “been there and done that” (vs 5). A brush fire burns quickly so that it gives little heat and warmth (not for long-term). That’s just like the laughter of fools. Pleasure might be short-lived.
The wise get angry at oppression but it does not yield to the temptation to bribe (vs 7); rather, wisdom is patient in the face of oppression (vs 8), and is not quick to “fly off the handle” (vs 9).
Wisdom does not live in the past (vs 10). Wisdom can guard against negative turns in life (vs 12). Wisdom recognizes that life will be a series of mountain-peak experiences and valleys of despair (vs 14). Wisdom recognizes the natural ebb and flow of life and that all is in God’s hands.
Wisdom sees that the good suffer, sometimes, and the righteous prosper, sometimes. God has not designed this life to be a one-for-one correspondence between righteousness and His blessings. That is so that man is not “bribed” to be faithful to God.
Wisdom recognizes a balance in life and that one might be a religious “fanatic” without being in a right relationship with God (vss 15-17).
Wisdom makes one strong (vs 19) but it will not get you to heaven by itself (vs 21). Wisdom does not respond to every foolish thing that fools say (vs 21; We need to send that verse to President Trump!).
In short, wisdom guards its reputation. Wisdom reflects on the seriousness of life. Wisdom seeks balance in life. Wisdom finds its relationship with God.
–Paul Holland