success – Be Still…

Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4 – How to Be Wise

Read Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4

What do you make of the story Solomon uses here? I don’t know about you, but there are times in my life when I have felt invisible and unappreciated. Solomon doesn’t tell us anything about how the poor man felt about being overlooked. However, the people of that town surely benefitted from his wisdom which rescued them.

We should appreciate wisdom, no matter where it comes from. Why then, does the world pay more attention to the display of wealth, power, and success and not the wisdom behind it? Wouldn’t it make more sense to look at why the person achieved such greatness? Unless the successful person is simply lucky, there is something they did to attain their position.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-6 – Oppression

Read Ecclesiastes 4:1-6

Are you feeling oppressed today? Oppression is defined by Oxford Languages as “prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.” Solomon was observing such behaviors in his day, too. As king, you would think he could have some control over how his subjects were being treated. The powers of evil were clearly at work then, as well as now.

It’s not pleasant to endure hardship, whether it’s oppression or otherwise. To believe we’d be better off dead is a bit “dark” don’t you think? It helps to remember that Solomon had drifted away from God and was relying on the gods of his many wives late in life. For those living on their own, hardship and oppression must be unbearable.

Mark 9:33-37 – Who’s the Greatest?

Read Mark 9:33-37

Like willful children teasing each other about who is mom or dad’s favorite, the disciples were at odds amongst themselves. Wondering who was greatest, I have to assume, meant who did Jesus favor the most. I wonder what Jesus thought when they admitted to their squabble.

Jesus’ answer was clear and to the point. We, too, can see an opportunity to be great. What do we need to do to find this kind of favor? Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Do you think the disciples were a little shocked over this?

1 Kings 10:14-29 – Is It Too Much?

Read 1 Kings 10:14-29

a handful of gold stars all floating up in the air

King Solomon has quite the reputation. More and more wealth continues to flow his way. He is well-respected, helping many nations, not just his own, with the wisdom God gave him.

The lavish appearance of the palace as well as the multitude of horses, chariots, and such seems a bit like overkill to me. I started to ask myself, “is it too much?” Enough is enough. Aren’t there hungry people somewhere that could use support? Covering everything in gold seems a little excessive to me.

1 Kings 10:1-13 – A Visit From A Queen

Read 1 Kings 10:1-13

Solomon’s wisdom has made quite the impression on the Queen of Sheba. She is almost oozing with admiration over what she has seen with her own eyes.

I had to remember that the Queen would have gotten her “intel” from others who had heard or seen King Solomon. Obviously, their account was not quite accurate. The Queen wasn’t relying on a social media presence, a blog article, or any such thing. Our means of obtaining information these days is not only fast, but it is also not always correct.