Solomon – Page 6 – Be Still…

Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 – This is Not Proverbs

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Solomon gives us “proverb-like” nuggets of wisdom here. However, I have to say that some of his tips don’t seem that wise to me. Keeping the perspective of when he was writing these thoughts down is helpful to me. Solomon had been exposed to countless false teachings from his many pagan wives. Plus, he didn’t have the promise of salvation we know in Jesus.

When we put our “redemption lens” on this passage, it’s easy for us to clear up some of Solomon’s concerns. I’d rather focus today on several of the observations Solomon got right. Having discussions on each of these points would be fun in a small group, don’t you think?

Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 – Wealth in Spirit

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Why does it seem like the problems Solomon wrote about centuries ago are still problems facing our culture today? There are still wealthy people and poor people, and the gap seems to be enlarging all the time. People are always complaining about the red tape in government, including ineffective measures. And, we still die, taking nothing with us.

This isn’t the first time Solomon focused his lament on having riches. Remember, he was king, and God had given him more than wisdom to enjoy. How lavishly he lived his life, we can surely imagine from all the descriptions we have in the Bible. When you have that much “stuff,” it must be hard to imagine not having it or leaving it all behind.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 – Approaching God

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The language barrier I have with the Mexican girls at the orphanage is sometimes laughable. But one day when I was about on my last nerve because the girls were overly restless and distracted during Bible class, I asked them to imagine Jesus had just entered the room to watch our class. How would they behave then? It was amazing to watch them sit up straight, be quiet, and all the while look around to see if Jesus was actually there.

They approached Jesus, even the thought of him, with respect. It was a delight for me to see. There is no language gap when it comes to loving Jesus and seeking to please him. Solomon now tells us that how we approach God matters.

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 – It’s Temporary

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Was Solomon speaking from experience here? Did he see himself as that wise youth who grew into a foolish king? If we look at Solomon’s life, that might appear to be the case. You may recall that God came to Solomon in a dream as a young king. 1 Kings 3:5 says, “That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, ‘What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!’”

At that time, we know that Solomon loved the Lord, but already he was offering sacrifices to the local gods. Yet God still asked the question. Solomon’s response was as follows: “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:7-9) Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 – Community

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“It takes a village.” If you haven’t heard that phrase before, it’s another way of acknowledging the communities of support we have in our lives. It’s especially helpful when it kicks in for parents of young children. We never have enough hands or time for carpooling when you can’t be in two places at once!

Solomon is also troubled by those who don’t have a community around them. He questions how they can muster up the motivation to work if they don’t have a community to support. Everyone will have a different motivation for working, it’s not always a race to have great wealth. I suppose that’s easy for me to say as a missionary and pastor’s wife. Wealth is certainly not my motivation.