Usefully Wise?: Ecclesiastes and Proverbs ("Session" 3)

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Ecclesiastes 2:1-16 (NIV & NKJV, NASB) Proverbs 3 (NIV & NKJV, NASB)

All of Ecclesiastes 2 (NIV)

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In synopsis, here the author of Ecclesiastes is saying that he tried giving himself every pleasure he desired, in today's terms, big house, cool car, parties, servants, and women... lots of them. His existance should have been perfect, at least in the world's eyes: he gave into anything his flesh desired. A perfect life? Ever wonder why so many rich, beautiful, famous people seem to have so many personal problems? We're coming back to the God-shaped vacuum. This is what the author of Ecclesiastes found. He should have been thrilled, but instead he found it was all meaningless. He says something interesting in verse 3: "I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly-my mind still guiding me with wisdom." Looking at this, I have very intense doubts this could truly be done. It is not possible to truly embrace folly while being guided by wisdom--that's not God's wisdom, that's the 'wisdom' of the world. In verse nine, he says "wisdom stayed with me," even when he was being stupid. If this man is indeed Solomon, perhaps he is marvelling at how, even then, God was faithful to provide the wisdom He had promised. It's just another amazing example of how God's promises are one-way. So often God says to us: "I'll do this for you, and no matter what you do, I'll still do this for you." He knows we cannot ever keep up our end of the deal. Hey wait, tangent time! ...There's a bit from AKX that ties in here, we can't do anything to earn what God gives us for 3 reasons:

• God needs nothing we have to offer. He created us, He has ultimate control. We can't cut a deal with God.

• Christ already paid the price for us, there is no longer any debt to be paid.

• And...I've forgotten the last one, I'll edit this when I get home. 'o)

Okay, off of the tangent and back on track. What I said about the God-shaped vacuum is clearly illustrated in verses 10-11, where although he had so much, he still says "nothing was gained under the sun." Ecclesiastes acknowledges that wisdom is better than folly, but also states that "the same fate overtakes them both." (v. 14) In v. 16, the author points out that the wise man, like the fool, will not long be remembered. I, at least, find it interesting that although scholars speculate that this book was written by Solomon, they are not sure, so the author has fulfilled his own 'prophesy'.
Proverbs, as usual, seems to illustrate a direct contradiction to the bleak outlook of Ecclesiastes. The chapter shows that wisdom is not meaningles at all, but very important, and to be highly regarded and sought after. Did you notice the difference? In Proverbs, wisdom is referred to as a woman, and the words used to illustrate the relationship we should have with wisdom all include action verbs. We're to find wisdom. To lay hold of wisdom. To embrace wisdom. What's the good of wisdom if you don't use it? That the author uses a personification to describe wisdom indicates to me that we need to have a relationship with "her" (wisdom). That means having a relationship with the Source of all wisdom, God. Take a look at verses 5&6, then immediately after look at verses 17&18. Check out the similarities, I find them rather neat. In both, we can must persue God and wisdom, but as a result of that, it makes life a little easier... or at least allows us to discern the path we need to be on.
Solomon also points out (v. 13-16)that wisdom is better than riches--something the author of Ecclesiastes still needed to learn. For some practical applications of wisdom, check out Proverbs 3: 21-35.

And now I'm going to be rushing to my Chem class (this post was longer than I'd expected!) So Cheerio!

God bless, and tune in next time!