wisdom – Be Still…

2 Chronicles 2:11-18 – A King’s Reply

Read 2 Chronicles 2:11-18

King Solomon has now received King Hiram’s response to the letter we were privy to in the last reading. We learn a few things of note in Hiram’s letter of reply. What did you notice?

First and foremost, we learn that King Hiram has great respect for the God of Israel. Generally speaking, the people of Tyre were not Israelites and they did not worship God. They had many gods distracting them from the truth. Yet, King Hiram says very affirming things about our God. He actually shows a lot more reverence than most non-believers today.

Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 – Final Thoughts

Read Ecclesiastes 12:8-14

What an image describing how wise words inspire us! Neither a cattle prod nor a nail-studded stick sound like a pleasant way to direct our path. Yet sometimes that’s just what we need – like a “kick in the pants!” Understanding right from wrong can often be an eye-opening experience.

Encountering the Teacher’s reflections throughout the book of Ecclesiastes has been helpful. I appreciate his conclusions and parting thoughts in this final passage. “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” If more people in this world knew what their “duty” was, families, neighborhoods, and even churches would be much happier. Don’t you agree?

Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 – Great Advice!

Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

Other than the reference to everything being “meaningless,” Solomon’s advice here has a lot of merit. God does give us lives to enjoy. Whether we are young, old, or somewhere in between, we should be focusing on positive things, looking for the good in all situations.

I love the apostle Paul’s counsel in Philippians 4:8 which reads: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” While Solomon is talking about rejoicing in each day, it’s so much easier to do that when we approach each day with a positive attitude.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 – What is Certain?

Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

Rather than focusing on uncertainty, Solomon gives us some examples we can count on. Some of these certainties point to action steps, like planting or harvesting. Yet others are great advice, like the wisdom on diversifying your portfolio of investments or to stop waiting for the “perfect” time to do something.

What certainties do you see as you look around you? We all have the certainty of a sunrise and sunset each day–unless you live somewhere in the world (like northern Norway, for example) where it’s always dark or light at certain times of the year. You can believe it’s “certain” that if we don’t go to work, we won’t get a paycheck.

Ecclesiastes 10:5-20 – Possibilities in Life

Read Ecclesiastes 10:5-20

Solomon’s observations here tend to be from the “glass half empty” mentality. He’s got a negative slant to some “possibilities” in life. In general, we’ve noticed how being apart from God has skewed Solomon’s thinking. Having been given wisdom, he really must struggle with what he sees happening or expects could happen.

Of course, if you dig a well, we all know there is a “possibility” you may fall in. I’m afraid of heights, so even the depth of a well would make me queasy if I got too close. The fear of falling would be great enough for me to keep me from wanting to dig a hole in the first place! Is Solomon talking about something “bigger” than a well?