May 20, 2021 - Ecclesiastes 7: 23-29

We live in a world where science and knowledge are being heralded as the only safe and secure way to live. If it cannot be proven or tested then it is not worthy of consideration. In major cultural disputes, the experts seemingly are given final authority to have the last statement and their words are held as almost sacred.

Solomon was the wisest man to live. In this section of Ecclesiastes, he reviewed all that he had learned and his conclusion was that he still was naive and unlearned about many things. The areas that he had conducted extensive tests and spent hours of research still held mysteries for which he had no answers. His wisdom and drive to understand led him to recognize that man was intent to be a sinner and all that man does is scheme and commit foolishness and madness (v.25).

Solomon uses the illustration that would be very applicable for his audience as he discusses the ability of a woman to ensnare a man and manipulate them into acts that were unacceptable to the Lord. Solomon was very aware of a woman’s influence with 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11) and how he himself was led astray to worship and build altars to his wives’ deities.

After discussing the weakness of man and their loss of integrity and relationship with God, Solomon concludes this section with the single reality that God made man upright or in God’s image, but man is determined to scheme and settle for less than God likeness (v.29).

Science and the efforts of men have made the comforts of life more available to all. We continually see the advancements and new benefits of men’s research. Like Solomon, there continues to be an emptiness that is not filled with all of man’s schemes and searching for answers! That only comes from a relationship with Christ. A wise man will come to understand that their searches conclude with God and His revelation of Himself through Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 1: 20-25 that the wisdom of God is greater than the wisdom of men. Verse 21 sums it up, “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” Trust the revealed plan of God and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. It will be the best decision you can ever make!