Category Archives: Unteachable / Foolish

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Wisdom’s Call: Listening to the Voice of Understanding (Prov 1:20-33)

Have you ever felt unsure of the choices you are making in your life, wondering if you are following a wise path or just pursuing what seems good at the time?

It’s in moments like these that godly wisdom calls out to us, offering guidance and understanding. Let’s explore the significance of heeding this divine call.

Reconnect: In the book of Proverbs, we delve into the importance of wisdom and understanding, and Proverbs 1:20-33 provides a vivid illustration of wisdom’s cry to humanity.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom Warns

     20Wisdom shouts in the street,
She lifts her voice in the square;

      21At the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings:

      22“How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded?
And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing
And fools hate knowledge?

      23“Turn to my reproof,
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

      24“Because I called and you refused,
I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;

      25And you neglected all my counsel
And did not want my reproof;

      26I will also laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your dread comes,

      27When your dread comes like a storm
And your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.

      28“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently but they will not find me,

      29Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD.

      30“They would not accept my counsel,
They spurned all my reproof.

      31“So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way
And be satiated with their own devices.

      32“For the waywardness of the naive will kill them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them.

      33“But he who listens to me shall live securely
And will be at ease from the dread of evil.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Wisdom’s Loud Cry: In these verses, wisdom is personified as a woman crying out in the public square, raising her voice in the streets. She calls to those who pass by, urging them to pay attention and embrace understanding.
  2. Rejected Counsel: The passage portrays a vivid contrast between those who listen to wisdom’s call and those who reject it. Those who disregard wisdom’s voice and choose not to fear the Lord ultimately face the consequences of their choices.
  3. The Fear of the Lord: The foundation of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, which is not about dread but a deep reverence and awe for God. This fear leads to a desire for wisdom and understanding.
  4. Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom: The passage warns that when wisdom’s call is ignored, calamity and distress will follow. Those who despise wisdom’s counsel will bear the weight of their decisions.
  5. Choosing Understanding: On the other hand, those who listen to wisdom’s call will dwell in safety and be at ease, without the fear of harm. Choosing wisdom is a safeguard against destructive paths.

Call to Action: Take a moment to reflect on your response to wisdom’s call in your life. Have there been times when you ignored wise counsel or chose not to seek understanding? Pray for the desire to embrace wisdom and the fear of the Lord, leading you to make choices that honor Him.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, we acknowledge Your wisdom as a guiding light in our lives. Help us to heed wisdom’s call and embrace understanding. May we walk in reverence and awe of You, making choices that reflect Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion: Share your thoughts on times when you’ve heard wisdom’s call or ignored it. How can you encourage one another to pursue wisdom and understanding in your daily lives? Engage in discussions with friends and family, and feel free to share your reflections in the comments below.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Choose Wisdom Over Temptation (Proverbs 1:8-19)

Have you ever been tempted to make choices that you knew were wrong? In Proverbs 1:8-19, we find wisdom that warns us about the dangers of following the wrong path and the allure of temptation.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Proverbs 1:8-19

The Enticement of Sinners

     8Hear, my son, your father’s instruction
And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;

      9Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head
And ornaments about your neck.

      10My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.

      11If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait for blood,
Let us ambush the innocent without cause;

      12Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
Even whole, as those who go down to the pit;

      13We will find all kinds of precious wealth,
We will fill our houses with spoil;

      14Throw in your lot with us,
We shall all have one purse,”

      15My son, do not walk in the way with them.
Keep your feet from their path,

      16For their feet run to evil
And they hasten to shed blood.

      17Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net
In the sight of any bird;

      18But they lie in wait for their own blood;
They ambush their own lives.

      19So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence;
It takes away the life of its possessors.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Listen to Wisdom: The passage begins with an appeal to listen to the wisdom and instruction of our parents and mentors. They guide us in making choices that align with God’s principles.
  2. Resist Temptation: Solomon, the author of Proverbs, vividly describes the temptation presented by sinners who entice others into wrongdoing. These individuals cast a snare and lie in wait to ambush the innocent.
  3. Wrong Choices Lead to Destruction: Solomon emphasizes the consequences of yielding to temptation. Choosing to follow the path of sinners may lead to death and destruction, both physically and spiritually.
  4. The Pursuit of Ill-Gotten Gain: The allure of material gain often drives people to commit sinful acts. Solomon warns against the pursuit of wealth through unjust means, as it can have dire consequences.
  5. The Importance of Separation: To avoid the enticement of sinful influences, it’s crucial to separate from those who lead us astray. Choosing godly companions and mentors helps us stay on the path of righteousness.

As we reflect on the importance of choosing wisdom over temptation, let’s take these actions:

Pray for Discernment: Spend time in prayer, asking God to grant you discernment in all your relationships and decisions. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help you distinguish between the path of wisdom and the path of temptation.

Evaluate Your Influences: Reflect on your friendships and associations. Are there individuals or situations that entice you toward unwise choices? Pray for strength and courage to distance yourself from any negative influences.

Share Your Thoughts: Engage in the conversation by commenting below. Share your insights, experiences, or questions related to choosing wisdom over temptation. Your contributions can help others on their journey.

Discuss with Friends and Family: Take the discussion beyond this platform. Talk to trusted friends and family members about the significance of this message in your life. Encourage one another to make wise choices.

Pray for One Another: Extend your prayers beyond yourself. Pray for your friends, family, and even those who may be struggling with temptation. Ask God to guide them toward wisdom and righteousness.

Let’s commit to living wisely and seeking God’s guidance as we navigate life’s challenges and choices.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Tongue / Gossip / Slander, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

A Little Foolishness Can Lead to Great Difficulty (Ecclesiastes 10)

Embark on a contemplative exploration through Ecclesiastes 10, where the wisdom of Solomon unveils profound insights on navigating life with discernment.

Join us in unraveling the transformative themes of wisdom, folly, and the impact of our choices on the journey of life.

(Continued and summarized after the scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 10

A Little Foolishness

     1Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor. 2A wise man’s heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish man’s heart directs him toward the left. 3Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool. 4If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses.

      5There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an error which goes forth from the ruler— 6folly is set in many exalted places while rich men sit in humble places. 7I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land.

      8He who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall. 9He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them. 10If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. 11If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; 13the beginning of his talking is folly and the end of it is wicked madness. 14Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15The toil of a fool so wearies him that he does not even know how to go to a city. 16Woe to you, O land, whose king is a lad and whose princes feast in the morning. 17Blessed are you, O land, whose king is of nobility and whose princes eat at the appropriate time—for strength and not for drunkenness. 18Through indolence the rafters sag, and through slackness the house leaks. 19Men prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything. 20Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Weight of Wisdom: Ecclesiastes 10 opens with Solomon’s reflections on the impact of wisdom and folly. The transformative power of wisdom is highlighted, showcasing how a little folly can outweigh the value of wisdom if left unchecked.
  2. The Consequences of Folly: Solomon paints a vivid picture of the consequences of folly, illustrating how seemingly small errors can lead to significant disruptions in life. The transformative journey involves recognizing the weight of our choices and the potential ripple effects they may have.
  3. The Importance of Discernment: A key theme is the importance of discernment in navigating life’s complexities. The transformative power of discernment emerges as a guiding force, helping individuals make wise choices and avoid the pitfalls of folly.
  4. The Impact of Words: Ecclesiastes 10 explores the transformative nature of words. Solomon emphasizes the significance of wise and timely words, highlighting how communication plays a crucial role in shaping our interactions and relationships.

Let’s reflect on the weight of wisdom, the consequences of folly, and the role of discernment in our lives. Have you ever faced the impact of unwise choices or experienced the transformative power of discernment in your decision-making?

Take a moment for personal reflection and prayer, considering how the wisdom of Solomon can guide your journey.

Share your insights with others you know, sparking a conversation on the transformative impact of our choices and the importance of discernment in navigating life’s twists and turns.

Join the conversation by commenting, and let’s explore together the profound lessons woven into the fabric of Ecclesiastes 10.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Fear / Reverence for God, Guide, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays, Unteachable / Foolish

Can We Turn What God Calls Bad into Good?

Have you ever found yourself caught in the embrace of cherished traditions, those familiar threads weaving through the tapestry of your life?

The warmth of holiday memories, the joy of family gatherings—these traditions often feel like an integral part of who we are. But in the gentle balance between faith and tradition, a thought emerges:

Can we, in our heartfelt attempts, turn what God deems as bad into something good?

Christmas, and many holiday traditions common to Christians today, serve as powerful examples. There are many traditions of pagan origin. Many don’t know this and don’t even think to ask or test their traditions. Many more do know the traditions are of pagan origin, but convince themselves that we can turn what God said was bad into something good by associating Christmas traditions with Jesus.

Is this true? What does God say in the Bible?

📜 Lessons from Exodus: A Warning Echoes Through Time

Picture this: A people, just liberated from slavery, witnessing the miraculous hand of God through ten plagues and also miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, the defeat of Pharaoh’s army, God appearing as fire and smoke to lead them, manna and water miraculously to meet their needs in the dessert.

Surely, we would think that generation could never turn from the ways of God, but they did. They allowed themselves to revert to influences from the Egyptian culture in which they had lived for generations and worship the Golden Calf.

But if we look closer, they were not worshipping Egyptian gods, but Yahweh! They called it a feast unto Yahweh who led them out of Egypt.

Did this effort to tie pagan traditions with worshipping Yahweh turn what was bad in God’s eyes to something good?

Exodus 32:1-10

The Golden Calf

      1Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” 5Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” 6So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

      7Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8“They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. 10“Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.”

Clearly God was not pleased and did not consider it good to worship along pagan customs like the golden calf… even if the people were attributing it to Yahweh.

Have you ever found yourself holding tight to holiday traditions that you know are of pagan origin, but making excuses for why they are good because we have tied them to Jesus?

Despite your good intentions, it may be time to ask yourself if what you are doing aligns with God’s desires.

📖 Scriptural Clarity: Yahweh’s Unchanging Standard

In the sacred verses of Deuteronomy 12:30-32, a timeless truth resounds. The Israelites, worshipping Yahweh through the Golden Calf, mirrored the detestable practices of pagan nations and God was not pleased.

Can we glean insights into God’s unchanging expectations for our worship and traditions today?

Deuteronomy 12:30-32

30beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ 31“You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

      32“Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.

The Israelites may have been worshipping Yahweh, but they were doing so in like manner to how the Egyptians worshipped their false gods by making idols.

Yahweh has not changed His opinion on what is good and what is bad. He still does not want us to worship Him with idols or with any of the manners or traditions with which the pagans worship false gods.

If we take the time to study our common Christmas and Easter traditions (and other traditions as well), we will certainly find the history of many of these traditions are derived not from God’s word, but from pagan worship practices.

Christians have created new meanings for many of these traditions and tried to tie them to Jesus, as the Israelites tied worshipping God to the golden calf, but they still are derived from pagan worship.

As we saw in scripture with the golden calf, Yahweh is not pleased, even if we say it is Him whom we are worshipping.

Do not repeat the error of the Israelites, which drew great anger from Yahweh. Instead, learn the history and true origin of the traditions you practice. Reject the ones that are derived from pagan worship. Do not accept something just because it is a family or cultural “tradition”.

Test and explore to understand the true origin and whether or not it may be offensive to our Lord.

Do not fool yourself that you can take what is bad in His eyes and make it good by creating new Christian stories around old pagan traditions. Choose the Lord’s ways over even dear traditions that may be emotionally difficult to walk away from.

Do not be like Lot’s wife who looked back at Sodom while leaving, but rather leave behind the past things without looking back on them.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead and guide Your people. Help us to have discernment and courage.  Help us to be hungry to seek Your ways and quick to challenge our own traditions against Your holy word in the Bible. Help us learn from the Israelites history documented in the scriptures that we cannot turn what is bad into good. We can simply choose whether or not to turn away from what is bad toward Your ways. Amen. 

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Wisdom Unveiled – Navigating Life’s Roller Coaster (Ecclesiastes 7)

Step into the thought-provoking chapters of Ecclesiastes, where a wise king contemplates the twists and turns of life.

Ecclesiastes 7 presents a unique perspective on navigating the highs and lows, urging us to embrace the wisdom that unfolds in every season.

As we read Ecclesiastes, we keep in mind the conclusion ultimately drawn for the whole book in Ecclesiastes 12, ‘fear God and keep His commandments.’

Join us as we explore the timeless insights that this chapter holds for our journey.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Value of a Good Reputation: Ecclesiastes 7 starts with the acknowledgment that a good reputation is more valuable than precious ointment. It prompts reflection on the impact of our character and the legacy we leave behind.
  2. The Benefit of Adversity: Surprisingly, the chapter suggests that facing adversity can be more instructive than times of celebration. It challenges the conventional view, encouraging us to seek wisdom and growth even in challenging circumstances.
  3. The Power of Patience: Ecclesiastes 7 emphasizes the importance of patience, urging us to remain calm and composed in the face of life’s uncertainties. It offers a timeless reminder that the journey is often as significant as the destination.
  4. The Recognition of Human Imperfection: The chapter acknowledges the reality of human imperfection, emphasizing that no one is without fault. This recognition prompts humility and understanding in our interactions with others.

As we journey through Ecclesiastes 7, let’s reflect on the wisdom it imparts for our lives today. How can we build a good reputation, even in the face of adversity?

How might patience shape our responses to life’s challenges?

Join the conversation in the comments and share your insights on embracing wisdom in the ups and downs.

Ecclesiastes 7 encourages us to navigate life with grace, recognizing the value in every experience. Let’s embark on this journey together, seeking the timeless lessons that can enrich our lives.

Full scripture below:

Ecclesiastes 7

Wisdom and Folly Contrasted

      1A good name is better than a good ointment,
And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.

      2It is better to go to a house of mourning
Than to go to a house of feasting,
Because that is the end of every man,
And the living takes it to heart.

      3Sorrow is better than laughter,
For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.

      4The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning,
While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.

      5It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man
Than for one to listen to the song of fools.

      6For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot,
So is the laughter of the fool;
And this too is futility.

      7For oppression makes a wise man mad,
And a bribe corrupts the heart.

      8The end of a matter is better than its beginning;
Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.

      9Do not be eager in your heart to be angry,
For anger resides in the bosom of fools.

      10Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.

      11Wisdom along with an inheritance is good
And an advantage to those who see the sun.

      12For wisdom is protection just as money is protection,
But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.

      13Consider the work of God,
For who is able to straighten what He has bent?

      14In the day of prosperity be happy,
But in the day of adversity consider—
God has made the one as well as the other
So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.

      15I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. 16Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? 17Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them.

      19Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. 20Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. 21Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. 22For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.

      23I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. 24What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it? 25I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. 26And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

      27“Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation, 28which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these. 29“Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.”

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Humility, Learning To Pray Effectively, Purposeful / Intentional, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

When You Come Before God… Listen More; Talk Less

The writer of Ecclesiastes, commonly accepted as Solomon, has much wisdom to share. We do well to take our time and digest it fully rather than quickly scan over it in our hurry to get on with our day. In chapter 5, he addresses several elements of our attitude toward YHWH.

If we reflect on his first example, we probably realize we have a lot to learn and change in our walk with YHWH. Typically today most of us come to YHWH with a list of things we want to talk to him about or ask for him to help us. We often jump right in. Solomon cautions us to remember who is the LORD and who is the servant. Let us approach the LORD with an attitude to listen and learn, to submit and obey. Let us take care to have few words and listen more.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-9

Your Attitude Toward God

     1Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. 2Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. 3For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

      4When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! 5It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

      8If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them. 9After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.

I definitely would do well to put more focus on listening to my LORD before even asking him for those things with which I am seeking his help.

The second matter is also very important. We should be careful in making vows to the LORD and if we do, we should fulfill them. We should not make excuses. We should take care and fear YHWH. Their is often a tendency to overlook this instruction in the Bible. We tend to characterize YHWH as “love” as if that means we should not revere and in some ways fear him. We should recognize and respect that he is the one who is over our life and our life after death. We should take seriously the desire to please him as a loyal servant would their master.

Verses 8-9 are interesting. I need to dig a little deeper to fully chase that meaning. That is one thing I love about God’s written word… there is always more depth we can search for (like treasure) if we have the will to do so!

My first impression leans into a comparison of the LORD as the king. It is good to have the king who desires to cultivate the land, to be involved in our lives. However, there are clearly examples of oppression and denial of justice because of the people who have authority under him in certain areas. Witnessing unrighteousness does not mean there is not a righteous LORD who is in charge of all. It simply means that there are some wicked people who do not truly submit to and follow him.

—-

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Reject Oppression and Embrace True Wisdom

Ecclesiastes can certainly come across as depressing and discouraging. It helps to keep in mind the ultimate conclusion that the book is leading up to. The context is an old Solomon, wise and rich in splendor as king over his lifetime. He is reflecting back on the meaning of life. He ultimately concludes the following:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

    13The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

It is with this conclusion in mind that it helps to drive home the meaning of the whole book as we read it. Ultimately everything falls short of real significance except fearing God and keeping his commandments.

Ecclesiastes 4

The Evils of Oppression

     1Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them. 2So I congratulated the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still living. 3But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.

      4I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. 5The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. 6One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.

      7Then I looked again at vanity under the sun. 8There was a certain man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, “And for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure?” This too is vanity and it is a grievous task.

      9Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

      13A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. 14For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. 15I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him. 16There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them, and even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him, for this too is vanity and striving after wind.

There are a collection of gems of wisdom in this chapter, all of which are worthy of reflection and prayerful consideration for application in our own lives today. Some that strike me…

  • Oppression is very bad.
  • Empty rivalry is worthless.
  • Two working together are better than one.
  • A poor wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer receives instruction

Take time to reflect on these truths and pray God shows you application in your life. Where might this wisdom shed light on things you need to change in your life?

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

A Time For Everything

Ecclesiastes is a very interesting book in which Solomon reflects on his life and on what is significant and worth pursuing. As we read, we do well to keep in mind his final conclusion, stated in chapter 12. Understanding his conclusion helps us keep the other chapters of the book in the right context.

Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14

  13The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

With this conclusion in mind, then we can continue to read through each chapter and reflect on his wisdom and how it still applies in our lives today.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-10

A Time for Everything

     1There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

      2A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

      3A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.

      4A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.

      5A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.

      6A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.

      7A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.

      8A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.

      9What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? 10I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Submitted / Servant, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

You Will Not Find Lasting Fulfillment In Work Alone

Ecclesiastes is written with a theme throughout the book of seeking lasting fulfillment. Solomon seeks it in many different areas. Ultimately he concludes that nothing provides this lasting fulfillment except seeking and obeying YHWH.

We may work hard, and accomplish things and accumulate wealth and enjoy it for a time, but it will not last. We will ultimately leave it to another and go to face our Father. Labor may bring happiness and satisfaction for a time, but can not replace the purpose of the Father in our life. This does not mean that hard work is bad in itself. It is not. But do not seek your total fulfillment in it, but rather in YHWH.

Ecclesiastes 2:18-26

The Futility of Labor

     18Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. 19And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity. 20Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. 21When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil. 22For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? 23Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.

      24There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. 25For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? 26For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God’s sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Wisdom Excels Folly, But Neither Endures

As we try to find satisfaction and purpose in our own wisdom or accomplishments, we will be disappointed, if we truly are wise enough to reflect on what is lasting instead of what is temporary. If something we do or build lasts even 50 years, it will still be gone at some point and later forgotten. Even if we are remembered by men for a while, does that bring any real meaning?

Ecclesiastes 2:12-17

Wisdom Excels Folly

     12So I turned to consider wisdom, madness and folly; for what will the man do who will come after the king except what has already been done? 13And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. 14The wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I know that one fate befalls them both. 15Then I said to myself, “As is the fate of the fool, it will also befall me. Why then have I been extremely wise?” So I said to myself, “This too is vanity.” 16For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die! 17So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind.

Indeed wisdom is greater than folly, but only for awhile. They both end in the same way eventually. Only in submission to and pursuit of YHWH and his purpose and his glory will we find true and lasting fulfillment.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.