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22 April 2007
Ecclesiastes 2:12-14
Then I began to think again about being wise, and also about being foolish and doing crazy things. But after all, what more can anyone do? He can't do more than what the other king has already done. I saw that being wise is certainly better than being foolish, just as light is better than darkness. Wise people see where they are going, but fools walk around in the dark. Yet I saw that both wise and foolish people end the same way.
The first two chapters of Ecclesiastes are written by King Solomon (son of King David), looking back over his life to try and find meaning in all he did. Having considered the pursuit of pleasure at the beginning of chapter 2, he now turns his thoughts to wisdom and foolishness. (In fact, this is the second time he has thought about it, having done so already in chapter 1, verses 12-18).
Solomon was famous for his wisdom - in 1 Kings chapter 3 he asked God to give him wisdom instead of things like wealth or long life. People travelled long distances to ask his advice. And so now, as he thinks about his life experiences, he can see that being wise is indeed better than being foolish. It is obviously better to be able to see where you are going than to stumble and fumble around in the darkness!
Wisdom is good - it helps us to make good choices in life, choices that can make a difference to our lives and the lives of others. But wisdom does not come overnight - it takes time and experience to become truly wise.
When I have a difficult decision to make or situation to deal with, I talk to my Spiritual Director. He is an older, wiser Christian than I am, and he brings wisdom and a different perspective to my difficulty. Who do you talk to when these times arise? Friends can help, of course, but an older, wiser member of your church - someone you know and trust, who has walked with God for many years - they may be able to give you that extra insight which can make all the difference.
Think about some of the people you know who have been Christians for many years. They may be members of your church, or of your family. Some may have played important parts in your journey with God. Thank God for them and pray for them today.
Written by Capt. Chris Routledge CA.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-14
Then I began to think again about being wise, and also about being foolish and doing crazy things. But after all, what more can anyone do? He can't do more than what the other king has already done. I saw that being wise is certainly better than being foolish, just as light is better than darkness. Wise people see where they are going, but fools walk around in the dark. Yet I saw that both wise and foolish people end the same way.
The first two chapters of Ecclesiastes are written by King Solomon (son of King David), looking back over his life to try and find meaning in all he did. Having considered the pursuit of pleasure at the beginning of chapter 2, he now turns his thoughts to wisdom and foolishness. (In fact, this is the second time he has thought about it, having done so already in chapter 1, verses 12-18).
Solomon was famous for his wisdom - in 1 Kings chapter 3 he asked God to give him wisdom instead of things like wealth or long life. People travelled long distances to ask his advice. And so now, as he thinks about his life experiences, he can see that being wise is indeed better than being foolish. It is obviously better to be able to see where you are going than to stumble and fumble around in the darkness!
Wisdom is good - it helps us to make good choices in life, choices that can make a difference to our lives and the lives of others. But wisdom does not come overnight - it takes time and experience to become truly wise.
When I have a difficult decision to make or situation to deal with, I talk to my Spiritual Director. He is an older, wiser Christian than I am, and he brings wisdom and a different perspective to my difficulty. Who do you talk to when these times arise? Friends can help, of course, but an older, wiser member of your church - someone you know and trust, who has walked with God for many years - they may be able to give you that extra insight which can make all the difference.
Think about some of the people you know who have been Christians for many years. They may be members of your church, or of your family. Some may have played important parts in your journey with God. Thank God for them and pray for them today.
Written by Capt. Chris Routledge CA.
