Read Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
Our teacher must be too smart for his own good. Or perhaps he was a master at overthinking things. We can fall into that trap as well when we lack trust in God. We can’t begin to understand all that exists, but it sounds like Solomon sure tried.
“I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.” What do you think about his statement? I don’t agree with “tragic” when we know God and sense his presence in our lives. For those who are far from God or who don’t nurture a relationship with him, that is definitely tragic.
God gave Solomon wisdom to use for his kingly assignment. 1 Kings 4:29 reads, “God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.” From the sounds of it, Solomon got to the place in his life where he felt like such a gift was more of a curse.
He writes, “The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.” Was Solomon using his gift of wisdom for reasons other than God’s purpose? It sounds like Solomon was selfishly trying to understand the world in ways only God can comprehend. We need to be careful to use our gifts from God to honor him and his kingdom.
Many of us yearn for God’s wisdom to understand this crazy world and why things happen the way they do. Instead, we should rely on the wisdom Jesus imparts. John 8:31-32 tells us, “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Wisdom is not useless when it comes from Jesus’ teachings. In fact, the wisdom from Christ’s truth will set us free!
As we read through Ecclesiastes, we are going to encounter passages that seem negative. It will be helpful to keep in mind that Solomon had drifted away from God. He was influenced and distracted by the religions of his many foreign wives, not to mention the challenges of being king.
Remember the Bible is packed with wisdom for us to reflect upon. Reflect on Paul’s prayerful words to the Ephesians. “I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.” Let those words wash over you and bring you peace.
Let’s pray. Lord, watch over me as I face the struggles and distractions present in our world today. You are the wise king who I rely upon. You are in control, and I rest in you to help me stand strong and stay on course. May the Holy Spirit fill me with the wisdom I need for each day. Thank you that I can access your truth that sets me free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
