Wisdom Revisited

In the 7th chapter from the book of Ecclesiastes, the first verse says that a "good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume . . ."

How true this is, for one's reputation is what is lasting and can have lifelong repercussions.  The first fourteen verses sound a lot like Proverbs in a way, for each one is a lesson in itself.  For example, verse 9 speaks about anger: "Control your anger, for anger labels you a fool."  The recent events at the Oscars is evident of this.

The last half of the chapter deals with wisdom and living a righteous life.  In fact, it warns not to live too much of a righteous life, for one will not enjoy life while trying to follow all of the nearly impossible rules set for us.

Not that we shouldn't try to be as good as possible, but sometimes we need to have enjoyment in our life too.

Verse 16 says that "a seductive woman is a trap more bitter than death."  This right here seems to cause more people to go astray than anything.  It is much better to be faithful and pleasing to God than to search out earthly pursuits for the sake of short-term pleasure.

Attention

What has your attention?

So many things these days vie for our attention, from social media to games on our phones, all getting us to divert any spare attention to them.

"Me!  Me!  Look at me!"

As always, God and his Holy Words seem to be forgotten in all this.  Whatever you need to do, make a habit of reading the Bible daily.  Even if it's a chapter, a verse, a single Psalm or Proverb.  God and His Holy Spirit will guide you in your daily walk, and allow Him into your life, to speak to you through His Holy Words.

Enjoying Life

In the 6th chapter from the book of Ecclesiastes, the author spends a good deal of this chapter with the issue of accumulating wealth and enjoying life.

In the 2nd verse, it states that God gives some people great amounts of wealth, everything they could ever ask for, yet they do not need to enjoy it.  They seem to die, only to have their descendants enjoy the fruits of their labor.

It continues on that one is better off being a stillborn child than to live such a fruitless, meaningless life.

By verse 10, it goes on to say that everything that has gone on has already been decided.  Everyone's path in life has been set up by God long ago, so there is no use arguing with the Almighty.

We do not know what God has in store for us, but the best we can do is enjoy the life we have.

Keep your mouth shut

In the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 5 is divided into two parts.  The firs part is about approaching God with care.

In the first verse, it is written that as you enter the house of God, "keep your ears open and your mouth shut."  It expands on this by saying that one should not make rash promises to God.  One sees this all the time when they find themselves in trouble.  When they're extremely broke and on drugs, they promise God that they will do better.

And do they?  The majority of the time, they do not.

In verse six, "Don't let your mouth make you sin."  This can be translated into many forms of communications.  I feel the Holy Spirit leads me to not comment on so many posts I see on social media, when my mind is racing to make a rash comment.

From verse eight onward, the chapter focuses on wealth--or, rather, the love of accumulating wealth.  Obtaining wealth is not a bad thing when done for the right reasons that God has given them.  If one works hard and do well with the money God has stewarded to them, they sleep well.  If they hoard it and invest in risky things, they will soon find themselves without.

God wants us to enjoy our work, enjoy our life.  Do not brood over the past.  Whatever life God has given you, enjoy it.

Two Is Better Than One

In the 4th chapter from the book of Ecclesiastes, there are three topics it seems to cover, although biblical scholars may break it down into more than this.  I am picking these three: work, companionship, and power.

At least twice in this chapter, the phrase "chasing the wind" comes up.  When it comes to work, we all want success.  But success to one is something different for others.  Working constantly is like chasing the wind.  It's meaningless.  Enjoy life.  Rest.  Take solace in the quiet.

The second major topic revolves around companionship.  No one is truly meant to work alone.  We are creatures who love other people.  This may be a spouse or a good friend.  In ropes, two strands are better than one.  Two people are better off than one.

When it comes to power, it does not mean money.  Wisdom does not come from great wealth.  We've seen that in our country's leadership, at all levels, at many companies.  Sometimes it is the poor wise one who is smarter than the ones at the top.  Sometimes it is the poor wise ones who heed the warnings given to us by the Almighty.  It is the arrogance of the so-called powerful who do not listen to the wise counsel given to them.

Do not chase the wind.