Monday, September 21, 2020

WISDOM - Ecclesiastes 9-10

Wisdom is better than strength.
But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”
Ecclesiastes 9:16-18


Ecclesiastes 9 is all about the best way to live under the sun.  Solomon gives us four observations from a survey of the state of mankind: good and bad fare alike, death puts an end to everything so enjoy it while it lasts, God’s providence includes hopeful probabilities and great calamities, and wisdom makes men useful but gains them little respect.  In Ecclesiastes 9:16-18, Solomon indicates that words of the wise are superior even though unappreciated.  Wisdom is better than strength of body, weapons of war and foolishness, but can easily be destroyed by sin. 

Ecclesiastes 10 includes Solomon’s observation of wisdom and folly.  It is like Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings and observations, yet he recommends wisdom in order to manage our affairs, be submissive to authority, to live quiet and peaceful lives, to govern our tongue, to be diligent and to speak well of others.  In Ecclesiastes 10:2, Solomon observes a wise man’s heart is at his right hand, the side of strength, skill and favor in comparison to the fool, whose heart is at the left, the side of weakness.  The wise man is engaged in doing good with a command over his mind, feelings and actions, the fool in nonsense or evil without restraint. A wise man’s wisdom is always present ready to direct all actions but in contrast,  a fool’s understanding and knowledge is ineffective in governing his actions.
                                                            Joyce

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