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.