Take Two: Ecclesiastes 12, Proverbs 9

Chapter 12 opens with a word of exhortation to the young man…to remember his Creator while he is young and vibrant. The language is picturesque but speaks of the decline of the body in old age. The young man is encouraged to not wait too long to find purpose in following diligently the Word of God. Notice the pictures of old age: the darkening of the world (loss of vision), the trembling of the hands (v.3), loss of strength (v.3), loss of vision (v.3) , the loss of teeth that grind (v.3), the loss of hearing (v.4), fears of loss of agility and ability (v.5), stiffening of the joints, and loss of sexual desire (v.5). All fo this culminating when a man dies and goes to the grave, and mourners fill the streets.

ILLUSTRATION: When I was younger, I used to say (shamefully) that I wished I had waited until later in life to become a Christ-follower so that I could have experienced more of “the world” in my youth. This was a foolish statement. It failed to consider that God saved me, not out of the “gutter” but from the “gutters” of life. The fact is, I think many people encounter the gospel truth and decide to put it off until later. They want to “have fun” for now and become Christians when they are too old to have fun. But…being a Christian is fun. It is fulfilling and exciting and a great opportunity to magnify God and seek the expansion of His kingdom. Every day we delay coming to yield our lives to Christ, is a day we miss out on God’s very best for that day. We choose something less than God’s greatest desire for us. We sacrifice the feast for table-scraps of our own choosing.

The writer closes with a final admonition. He exhorts the reader to accept the wise teachings as “goad” which are the pointed sticks that prompted an animal along its way. God gives us His Word, His wisdom…to guide us and encourage us in the journey. To see God’s Word as an unnecessary weight, is to fundamentally misunderstand what it truly is.

At the end of the day, the recipe for a fulfilling life is this: Fear God, keep His Word, and know that we will all appear before Him to give an account for our lives. Nothing will escape judgment so live as though you believe that.

APPLIED: What if you knew that every thought and action would be displayed on the big screen for everyone to judge?  What if your thoughts ran across the bottom of the screen like a tell all “ticker?” Would you be embarrassed to know that every deed you have ever done in the flesh is laid bare before a holy God who judges it…either in your body or in the body of His Son? Live…knowing that everything is adjudicated in just this way. Be not ashamed. Bask in the glorious grace of God. Pursue Him. Pursue His glory!

Proverbs 9:6 is the takeaway today. “Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding.”

Tomorrow we move to the book of First Kings. (I know it is an OT book…but there are more of them and we need to jump in and tackle them. It’ll be FUN…so JOIN ME.)

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 11, Proverbs 8

Chapter 11 shares two primary themes: Counsel on wealth and counsel on worry. First is the instruction on wealth. Bear in mind that the writer counsels against both the pursuit of wealth as an end unto itself, but he also counsels against laziness or lethargy. The opening verses here speak of being wise and diligent in business dealings. First, vv.1-2 speak of diversifying ones business interests. In other words, “Do not put all of your eggs in one basket.” The reason for this is because there are many unknowns in the world. The life of faith does not necessarily and in all cases mean to live without due diligence. There are times when Jesus tells us to step out of the boat onto the water. But even then, our obedience is not due to baseless faith; rather, it is faithful obedience and trust in God’s character. (We do have to know it is God’s will though…and not simply a feeling after eating pizza late at night.)

Vv.3-6 admonish against simply waiting to act until outcomes are certain. There are no sure things except God. Waiting to act until there is no opportunity to fail most certainly guarantees that we will never gain. In business, investing, and most other actions we take, there is a general set of principles that inform our activity. Nothing is certain, except that we can never know for certain the outcome before we act. (stated another way and more spiritually: It was not until the priests stepped into the water of the Jordan at God’s instruction, that he stopped up the water and made a way for them to cross).

APPLIED: This is one of those principles that affects our obedience in many areas, but since the writer speaks of business, investing, and money…tithes and offerings come to mind. We do not have to ever question the will of God about the tithe. It is clearly and unambiguously commanded that God’s people demonstrate faith in Him and support for the gospel mission by bringing the first fruits of all of their produce (a tenth) into the storehouse (local church) of God. Obedience assures God’s blessing and continued provision. At the same time, it is not uncharacteristic of God to challenge us and command us to give more (an offering) as He leads. This requires discernment. He does so with one goal and usually two motives. The goal is His glory. His motives…to teach us trust Him as we obey and He provides, and to meet the needs of others through the obedience of His people. As someone said, “God still sends ‘manna,’ from heaven, but He often bakes it in earth’s ovens.”

The second assertion of the chapter deals with anxiousness. The writer encourages the young man to not worry about what might come about, but live a life of joy and fulfillment (vv.8-9). This is not to say that the young man is to indulge every fleshly pleasure, since he will give an account for all of his actions, but he should not be so anxious about the future that he misses the joy of the moment.

Proverbs 8:7 is the takeaway. Wisdom states, “For my mouth will utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.” You can always trust God’s Word as truth and as an antidote and shield against wickedness.

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 10, Proverbs 7

This chapter speaks of the danger of foolishness, even in small doses. V.1 reminds that one fly in the perfume renders the entire batch is useless. Such is also true of the counselor who sometimes offers foolishness. In fact, a single moment of foolishness tends to be remembered more than an abundance of wisdom.

ILLUSTRATION: It may be difficult for us to grasp the fly in the perfume…so think of it another way. (The impact is necessary to grasp the point.) If you knew that a fly flew into the cookie batter and was baked into the cookies, how many would you eat? What it if were 3 dozen cookies made and only one fly? Would it matter to you that the odds were 35 to 1 against eating the fly? Probably not.

A ruler who is right most of the time and foolish some of the time, is an inept ruler and is a greater danger to a people than nearly anything else. This is why a wise man is greater than a strong man in battle (9:13-16).

The desire for wisdom is valid…even though it seems to contradict previous teaching on the futility of pursuing wisdom. The truth is, wisdom is not acquiring knowledge for the sake of knowing, but it is the application of knowledge. Wisdom is displayed as one applies knowledge and discernment. It is not wrong to desire to be wise, real wisdom begins with the fear of (knowledge, respect, and submission before) God.

V.10 reminded me that while it is good to respect zeal, passion, and a “go-get-it” spirit, there is value in preparing to gain wisdom. It reminded me of a statement by President Abraham Lincoln…that if he had eight hours to chop down a tree, he would spend six hours sharpening his axe.

How often we run out to get busy before we fully understand the task before us. We see a piece of tape on a pipe and want to remove it immediately, not knowing why it is there. As a wise pastor once told me concerning coming to a new church, “Don’t go about tearing down fences until you first know why they were erected in the first place. There may be a bull on the other side you have not considered.”

It draws my mind to the fact that some folks see changes or processes or policies put in place. Without fully grasping why they were enacted, they want to criticize them or change them…never fully considering the implication of such action.

Proverbs 7:21 is the takeaway today. It refers to the temptress in her actions toward the naïve young man. “With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him.”

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 9, Proverbs 6

If I were to define a theme for Chapter 9, it would be that we are to live, trusting God to define our lives and guide our steps. In considering that death is the physical end of both the wicked and the righteous (vv.2-3), the only real hope to living a purposeful life that matters, is to trust in the daily leadership of God as we live day by day in Christ (vv. 1, 4-9).

Our efforts do not change our eternal destiny. Our eternal destiny is determined by God and accessible to us by God’s grace. He judges each man righteously and according to His holiness. He provided propitiation (satisfaction of wrath) for our sins in Christ and said that he who comes to Christ shall live according to the boundless grace of God. He has overcome. He has won. He is an heir with Christ. He has purpose. He has leadership in the Holy Spirit.

Those who refuse God’s grace, cannot ever experience the benefit of it. No amount of labor, effort, intent or desire will ever change one’s eternity. All depends on acceptance and trust in God’s finished work.

When we grasp grace, we find that we can truly live daily. Life is complicated and will not always yield abundance and happy times; however, a right view of God and our state in Him allows us to experience joy in the midst of whatever our particular circumstance (Phil 4:10-13).

No amount of effort on the part of man can change God’s eternal plan (vv.10-12). A wise man may not be remembered for his wisdom but he will overcome when living according to the wisdom of God (vv.15-18). The world recognizes and remembers human effort (v.14), but God honors faithfulness…which always ultimately triumphs.

Proverbs 6:6-8 is the takeaway today. “Go to the any, o sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gather her provision in the harvest.” POINT: Trusting God does not mean sitting back and waiting on supernatural intervention in every situation. Often times, God provides through natural channels…to those who trust and obey Him in faith.

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 8, Proverbs 5

A couple of observations from this chapter stood out to me. First, the writer opens with wisdom on our relationship to human authority. We are to obey human authorities, not based on our agreement with their authority or their decisions, but because of our oath to God (v.2). To be a Christ-follower is to accept, in advance and without condition, all that Christ would tell us. We are to submit under the authority of the king and trust that God can and will deal with the king as He sees fit.

NOTE: This does not mean that believers are to withdraw from a “political” process. They should use all means to impact and influence culture. At the same time, they have an obligation to accept the authority of civil leaders when they are properly installed. The heart of the king is in the Lord’s hand. Even the evil ruler fulfills a purpose of God.

V.11 sheds light on why people embrace evil over righteousness far too often. What if God executed appropriate justice for every evil deed in the moment of its commission?

NOTE: I have often said that the Church would come to a point of real revival if there was another Ananias and Sapphira incident (Acts 5). When people (seemingly) get away with evil, they continue to embrace it.

Even though evil may appear to persist unchecked, do not be fooled. One should continue to pursue the righteousness of God.

The last observation for me comes in the summary statement in vv.16-17. Having pursued wisdom, the speaker concludes that man can never fully know everything there is to know. He should seek to gain wisdom and knowledge, but also accept that the goal of being all-wise is futile. God alone is all-wise and He is also trustworthy.

Proverbs 5:14 is the takeaway today. “I was almost in utter ruin in the midst of the assembly and congregation.” Being in the proximity of God’s people does not make one right with God. In fact, it can become an inoculation of sorts to the blatant consequences of sin. Place no faith in being in the assembly. In the end, this alone is insufficient as justification before a Holy God.

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 7, Proverbs 4

Continuing in the theme of pursuing wisdom from Ch 6, the writer now states that a good name is of noble pursuit (v.1) and maintaining a good name is critical; therefore, it is better for a man to die with a good name than to live and risk losing it. NOTE: He is not advocating that one ends his life early…just soberly reminds us that every man is but one decision away from ruining a lifetime of reputation building.

This discussion of death is a bit morbid to the modern reader. It likely was then as well; however, it is good to think soberly about death. Death is not some mysterious “end,” rather, it is a transition to our fully realized self. Our spirit is released to enjoy our eternity with God (for those who fear Him) without the trappings and temptations of our fleshly existence.

The discussion turns back to the pursuit of wisdom in vv.5-14 with several proverbs. VV.13-14 stand out to me. God causes (or allows) all things that are…so do not consider that man has thwarted God’s sovereignty. God is sovereign…in good times and in times of difficulty.

This is a proper theological position. It differs from “ATM Jesus” who exists to give us whatever we want and nothing more (unless it is better than what we were planning to ask for). Do not think that the existence of tragedy is proof positive that there is no God, any more than the presence of lawlessness means there are no police officers or courts.

Vv.15-18 are quite curious at first read. To pursue righteousness excessively or to pursue wickedness excessively (hedonism) is vanity. Go back and substitute “attempts at righteousness through religious discipline/ self-deprivation” for “righteousness.” The point the writer makes is that seeking to find meaning in religious activity and asceticism (conduct of depriving oneself or punishing oneself) is just as “empty” as living a life without any restraint.

This section serves as a call to live according to God’s grace and in light of God’s grace. Our standing before God is not bolstered by our good deeds nor negated by our sin. Our standing is secured by God’s grace and love in the work of Christ at Calvary. Period. In light of that, the outworking of our Salvation should be such that we live to honor God and make His Name famous throughout the world…not as a means of righteousness but as the natural outworking of our sanctification. To pursue sanctification from the outside in leads to LEGALISM and is an empty pursuit. (See the paper I wrote on legalism for more on this.) In the same manner, casting off all restraint and living with a license to sin…is an empty pursuit of the same manner.

The final verse (v.29) of the chapter also resonated with me. God made man upright, but man sought his own desires apart from trusting God. All humanity is tainted with this. Apart from God’s grace, all are lost…hopelessly. With God’s grace (in us and through us) there is hope for us and for our relationships with others and God.

Proverbs 4:11 is the takeaway today. “I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.”

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 6, Proverbs 3

In this chapter, the writer concludes his present discussion on the futility of pursuing wealth as a worthy and fulfilling life goal. True success/satisfaction comes, not in the pursuit of amassing a large fortune, but in the satisfaction with what one does possess. In vv.1-6, the writer tells us that it is better for a man to do from the darkness of the womb immediately to the darkness of death than to pursue amassing wealth as a life goal. Both end the same; however the miscarried man avoids the pointless pursuit of a purposeless goal. [The language here is intentionally pictorial and would have connected well with the original audience. Success was generally considered to involve wealth, many descendents, and long life].

POINT: The key in the writer’s argument is to learn contentment. Live and enjoy. Find joy in the journey and experience of life. Yes…acquire stuff but enjoy what you have and be satisfied with it. DOn’t keep adding to the pile and be unsatisfied with it until you add ____. To do so…is to pursue the vanity spoken against here. Be content with what you have and live for eternity.

VV.10 ff  shift to the pursuit of wisdom. It is a balance to the argument against pursuing wealth. One might say, if the pursuit of wealth is bad, then I will pursue wisdom. I will seek to know how the universe exists and coexists.

The writer’s argument is this: The pursuit of great understanding of the universe and of man will never yield more than the realization of Adam…that God is greater than man and man lives under the sovereign hand of God (v.10).

[In case you wonder how I go there...Thanks to the New American Commentary. Here it is in broad and compelling strokes. The "naming" of the animals in Genesis was a task God gave to Adam. To name the animals is to assert/affirm authority/dominion over them. In Adam's sin (the discovery of the knowledge of good and evil) He learned (ultimately) all that mankind could ever ultimately understand. God is great. Man cannot strive with God and succeed. All benefit comes from proper relationship with God. Man's status before God is unalterable except by the salvation work of God who sovereignly saves in Christ. Experiencing this salvation requires acknowledging this truth and yielding to it...the Lordship of Christ in one's life.]

Now it is possible to learn more about the working of the universe, the movement of stars, the formation of the ocean’s or the composition of rocks…but no pursuit of man can yield any knowledge greater than that which Adam discovered in his commission by God, and in his sin, and in his reconciliation to God. All other pursuits by man to know the “secret” to existence…pure vanity.

A quick illustration: I studied automobile mechanics in high school. At the end of two years, I know the process fo the 4 stroke combustion engine. I understood how the fuel and intake and electrical systems worked together. I learned how the drivetrain used torque and conversion to accelerate the auto while reducing RPMs. But, at the end of the day…the person who starts the car and drives arrives at the same conclusion I do. Having a car is nice and it gets me where I am going…which is a far more profitable goal than knowing what happens under the hood to get me there.

Proverbs 3:13-17 is the takeaway today. (I offer it as a balance to my previous illustration…since the Bible affirms both and we are called to be wise and not ignorant.) “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.”

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 5, Proverbs 2

Chapter 5 speaks of two primary issues. The first has to do with our vows before God. This instruction on vows (do not make many and then, if you do, keep them) is rooted, fundamentally, in our understanding of the nature of God. Because God hears every word we say, and because He is sovereign, and because He is just, we should speak to him as such.

To illustrate…I tend to consider my words far more carefully on a job interview than when I am at my dinner table or on the golf course. The audience in an interview is different. I know that my words are being weighed and considered…and I will be accountable for what I say. (Between my cool guy dad stories and tales of my Army days…my sons tend to discount half of everything that follows “well, I remember when…” This is not the case with an interview.)

I find, especially in our culture today, that many people discount the “just” nature of God. They make a vow (promise/commitment) to God and then keep it if it is convenient…not even considering that making a promise to God is at least as binding as signing a mortgage agreement or testifying before the court. This is not to say that we should never make a vow; rather, it is to say that we should consider a promise made to God to be a solemn commitment that we will give account for later.

Now…if we consider God to be a benevolent grandfather type who simply wants to give us popsicles and watch us play outside…then we will discount the weight of our vow…believing that we are so cute and he is so kind that we can change our mind and he will simply forget it. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of God’s nature.

NOTE: This is why I spend a great amount of time talking with those who want to become Christians. I want them to know…when you declare that Jesus is Lord…you are making the decision that will affect every element of your life from now on. Every choice in the future will be made for you since from now on you will determine your course of action by answering the question, “what is God’s will for me in this situation?” If you are not prepared to make that kind of commitment to Him, you cannot become a child of God.

REFLECTION: How are you on your vows? Do you need to renew a vow to God? When you make a vow…make the commitment by faith and trust God to empower you to fulfill it!

The second issue again deals with wealth. (Remember the writer is the richest man on the planet and is king. His perspective on wealth is authoritative…and he is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Again…authoritative).

Hard work provides a better night’s sleep than big bank accounts (v.12). Amassing wealth is an unworthy life pursuit since it is easily lost. True success is to learn contentment living under the gracious hand of God who gives to all as He desires (vv.18-20). This is not to affirm laziness, but to learn to be content…

If God is the provider of all that we have, then we are stewards/manager of God’s resources. How we manage those resources and view our role as God’s managers impacts our effectiveness as God’s name-bearers before the nations.

REFLECTION: How are you managing God’s resources? Are you a channel through which He loves the world and demonstrates grace…or a container which seeks to first be filled…and then, if it overflows, you allow God’s blessings to pour out onto others?

Proverbs 2:20 is the takeaway today. “So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.”

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 4, Proverbs 1

Chapter 4 carries observations of more “vanity.” The first is that of political oppression. Remember that the writer is a King. National and world affairs would be common and commonly understood to him. The observation is that oppression continues in spite of its vanity. In his words, due to the nature of men (as seen in political oppression), [left to their own ways] it is better for man not to be born. This is because, [left to his own sense of morality and corresponding restraint], man will always seek to assert himself and push his way to the top. In order for someone to win, someone else must lose in man’s perspective.

The second vanity is that of the man who is defined by his labors (vv.4-8). Two principles are listed here and give an implication of balance when taken together. One one side is the fool who is simply lazy (v.5) and on the other…the man who works to acquire as possession far more than he could ever need or consume (v.8).

The Bible teaches clearly the principle of hard work. Adam’s first assignment was that of a steward of the Garden (God’s creation). Hard work is not bad…but the fruit of a man’s labors must never be seen as an end unto themselves. WHat profit is it for a man to acquire significant possessions and simply hoard them for “a rainy day.”

This is not to say that it is more wise to simply not labor at all. This man is foolish as well. Spiritual contentment is sometimes used as a “cover” for laziness. (The statement sometimes goes like this: “God will provide it for me if he wants me to have it.” Well, we must also remember that God is a provider, and as such, sometimes does so supernaturally…but often does so through a man’s labors. God is no less a provider when he does so through a man’s efforts.)

The balance in this area is found in mindset. If God is provider (of strength, substance, and supply) then He must be purposeful in His provision. If He provides for us, He does so as entrusting to us a stewardship of His provision. We are called then to steward/manage God’s resources according to His desires and wishes and to the best fulfillment of His plan and purpose. So…does God entrust resources so that we might have newer/bigger/more stuff, or to channel those resources through us to accomplish a different purpose?

In vv.9-12 the vanity of living life disconnected from relationships is spoken of. A wise and fulfilled existence involves good friendships with others.

VV.13-16 speaks of the vanity of a leader who isolates himself from others. In the words of a friend of mine…a leader who starts to believe his own press clippings. When a man starts thinking he is “all that,” he stops listening to counsel. His demise is assured for it is better to have nothing and be teachable than to have great possessions and power and be an island unto yourself.

Proverbs 1:33 is the takeaway today. “Wisdom” personified speaks and says, “But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.”

Take Two: Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 31

Chapter 3 opens with the writer’s observation of the perseverance of life. Life continues on. There is nothing that you or I can do to alter it. Ultimately, there is an appointed system and appointed times for everything that happens (vv.1-10).

A man who seeks to understand or master these “times” will find it to be “vanity,” since it cannot occur. Man will long to do so, but still cannot (v.11). There is far more to understand about the operation of this world than man will ever fully grasp. If success in life is the acquisition of this understanding, man will be ultimately frustrated. However, if man concludes that God fully understands and simply accepts God’s way as “the Way,” then he is well on his way to a fulfilling existence.

For those who dispute this, the writer observes (shockingly) that there is no difference between man and beast at death (v.19). This is not a theological statement on annihilationism. It is not a refutation that we are made in the image of God. It is a statement of acknowledgment that, no matter how smart we become or how much we acquire, we will all go by way of death. Man cannot resist this appointment.

Note: As such, we should “skim across” and see the implication. Eternity is set in the heart of man. There is a natural cycle of life events that will persist even if we resist them. The end of the cycle for each individual is death. Our righteous God will hold to account each one for his righteousness and wickedness (v.17). All real hope then is to be found in accepting and embracing God’s Way…even when we cannot fully comprehend or control it. Apart for living according to God’s Way…man’s only profitable aim is to live for happiness in the moment (v.22).

NOTE: In my own mind I wrestle (when reading this) to avoid the extremes of “fatalism” (the position that everything is predetermined and set and unalterable), and resisting/rebelling against the assertion of the text (that I have no control… ultimately…over anything). The writer’s point is not that we should give up (fatalism) or fight against (rebel/resist) the truth; rather, that we should live in light of it. No matter what we desire to control, it is vanity. No matter where we seek pleasure, it is vanity. Our only true hope for happiness and success is found in the God alone and in trusting in His plan.

Proverbs 31:30 is the takeaway today. “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Apart from salvation, there is no greater gift or clear manifestation of grace than the gift of a godly wife. I am ultimately blessed beyond measure.