Bible Verse Synopsis 6-23-25

Ecclesiastes 7:

This chapter opens with a statement that causes fear and joy all at once. Verse 1: “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” ‘A good name’ is Jesus, the only truly good name, who is above the rest. Our birthday is not the most exciting day when we compare it to the day we die. Yes, we lose this body, but we GET to go to heaven, the greatest gift of all. Do not despair of the loss of this world, any believer's death is a mercy and privilege, to join the Lord in His kingdom. The path to this understanding has been a long arduous road. Are you finding the meaning Solomon and the Spirit are sending to you?

Solomon continues his lesson to us in verses 2-8. Go to the “house of mourning” rather than the “house of feasting” - Verse 2. The flesh takes us to feast and indulge ourselves. The Spirit directs us to the house of mourning. There is softness there. Reflection, pain, suffering, and most importantly understanding. This is how we become humble. Not because we are wise, but because we know that we cannot understand. Accept the sorrow and fall to your knees. Do not laugh in the face of reflection. This is the action of a fool, for "the heart of the wise is in the house of the mourning." - Verse 4. The statement in Verse 5 made me stop in my tracks. "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools." Who are you engaging with? Are you pushed to the limits in these scenarios or do we glide by comfortably? How often are you the fool? Are you patient in waiting for the spirit to give you wisdom - or proud of what the spirit has done through you?

Verse 9 gives us a strong reminder. "Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools." This verse speaks for itself. If it is not, go read the verse again and think about how it relates to the fools mentioned earlier in the chapter. Be careful about complaining about your present circumstances. Many a day is difficult and without the struggle of life, the Lord would not be able to test us and push our limits. We lack the wisdom to know what is right or hard, difficult or easy, and clean or dirty. These are the Lord's. Have you realized what little you know in the face of Heavenly Wisdom?

Verse 12 says: "For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom give life to them who have it." Wisdom is far greater than money. It is something we cannot lose and lifts up ourselves and others! Money often can do these as well. But the temptation of wealth is always present. Wisdom teaches a reliance on the Lord. When "He has made crooked" - Verse 13, who can change this? Money does not give these lessons. Be joyful in adversity and prosperity. He has decided what we need to face along our road. Are you ready to face His challenge? Are you going to face it with God - or on your own?

Men live and die not based on their behavior in this life. We are powerless to control the time of our final breath. The wicked and the righteous may live long or short lives, but it is no fault of their own when they perish. The Lord, God, alone holds that key. Be not overly proud of yourself or consider yourself wise. As Verse 16 says: "why should you destroy yourself?" Do not be wicked nor foolish. We need not aggravate our perilous scenario with sin. "For he who fears God shall come forth of them all" - Verse 18. Do you fear God enough to put your self righteousness and wickedness behind you? Is God not fearsome enough to have earned your respect?

Verse 20 says: "For there is not a just man upon Earth who does good, and sins not." Every man is fatally flawed, except Christ. Be forgiving of other men and heed little to their words. We are no better in our own struggles. Because of Christ's perfection, we are able to see the flaws of mankind. The wisdom of God strengthened Christ, should it not be our greatest strength as well?

Solomon ends this chapter with a slightly grave pronouncement. Verse 24: "That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?" The question is somewhat rhetorical. Solomon continues and tells us that he has searched for it with all his wisdom and still these answers elude him. Verse 29 recaps Solomon's struggles: "Lo, this only have a I found, that God has made man upright; but they have sought our many inventions." Man has created the temptations for themselves that draw us away from God. What things have you created for yourself that fall into this category? Social media, a tool, a spreadsheet, an app, pornography? We are tempted by all the things of the world. We are called not to be "of the world", but instead we are to be "of God". Solomon the wisest man to walk the planet, besides Jesus, could not submit his wisdom to God. How can we expect ourselves to commit to trusting His wisdom? We can because even Solomon shows it to be impossible to be faithful without it. Are you going to submit - or resist with all your wisdom and follow in Solomon's footsteps?