Read Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1
What an interesting passage coming from one of the wisest men ever. Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God, yet there were limitations. Today we can tap into God’s wisdom when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. God is the source of all wisdom, for which there is no limit. We should be grateful for the wisdom God allows be revealed to us.
Solomon continues to struggle with his wisdom. Sometimes when we let our minds wander, we can end up in some unusual places. It seems that is what is happening to Solomon through this whole book. We have all seen things that don’t make sense or seem fair in this world. How do you handle those situations?
Do you wrestle with God and ask why? Or do you accept what you see because God allowed it for some unknown reason? I’ve done both but we can also call on the Holy Spirit to uncover some of the mystery.
Paul explained this “super power” to the Corinthians. “And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” (1 Corinthian 2:12-14)
Paul’s counsel is a good reminder to us if we start to feel disillusioned like Solomon. As followers of Christ, we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and become spiritual. Nonbelievers will not understand the workings of Holy Spirit and his gifts. Solomon, in all his wisdom, did not recognize the Holy Spirit.
Solomon was, however, very clear in his understanding of God’s power. He counsels us to “fear God” and says that “those who are pleasing to God” will be able to escape the snare of evil. Those are certainly wise, insightful comments. Do you think Solomon was struggling to rebuild his relationship with God after having let the influence of his pagan wives’ gods infiltrate his life?
How is this passage speaking to you today? Here’s some great advice from James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you that I can ask you for wisdom when I face decisions and turning points in my life. I trust you to reveal what you think is best for me. Help me to be quiet so I can listen for your guidance each day. Thank you for how you love me and desire to be in a relationship with me. Draw me close and keep me safe from the lies of this world that disguise themselves as wisdom. You are the only truth on which I want to stand. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
