Ecclesiastes Ten
"If the ax is dull,
and one does not sharpen the edge,
then he must use more strength;
but wisdom brings success."
(Ecclesiastes 10:10)
Morning Mediation: Read - Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
Solomon learned from his own life experiences and experiments the superior value of wisdom over folly. He found life to be meaningful and satisfying only if we live by true wisdom. The result will be a good reputation; which can be easily ruined by a little folly.
"Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor" (v. 2). The wise person stays away from folly because of the condition of his or her heart. The heart of a wise person is at his right hand, in the position of honor and power, but the fool doesn't have wisdom in his heart and is easily pulled to the left (the wrong direction), and will quickly find themselves in trouble.
"Even when a fool walks along the way, he lacks wisdom, and he shows everyone that he is a fool" (v. 3). And even though the fool is walking along the wrong, and often dangerous path, he refuses to heed the warnings, which only broadcast his foolish condition.
"Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown" (Psalm 7:14-16). As king, Solomon understood how absolutely necessary it is for those in authority to have wisdom, not just so they can
do what is right, but also so they will
know what is right. This way the ruler could demonstrate for his workers how to work smarter, not harder. Wisdom is preferred to strength, therefore the wise person will take the time to sharpen the dull edges of their monotonous life with the sword - the Word of God - and be willing to heed instruction, and so be prepared on the day of battle.
"Your people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power; in the beauties of holiness..." (Psalm 110).
"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
for wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the season.
He moves kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things;
He know what is in the darkness,
and light dwells with Him."
(Daniel 2:20-22)
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