Ecclesiastes 31 Wisdom is Better Ecclesiastes 9 11

Ecclesiastes (31) Wisdom is Better Ecclesiastes 9: 11 -18

About this section • We continue our study of the second half of Ecclesiastes, we are addressing some thoughts about wisdom. • In our last lesson (Eccl. 9: 1 -10) we noted how God is in control, all are going to die, but in this life there is hope if we live wisely

No Guarantees in life (11 -12) • I returned and saw under the sun…” • Another way of saying, “Something else I observed about wisdom and life under the sun…” • Solomon continues to observe and learns. May we NEVER stop learning!

No Guarantees in life (11 -12) • • • Life has a way of changing plans The race is not to the swift The battle is not to the strong Nor bread to the wise Nor riches to men of understanding Nor favor to men of skill (ability)

No Guarantees in life (11 -12) • Life has a way of changing plans • The point: Time and chance happen to all! Things happen! (Think 2020) Even if you try and anticipate setbacks, there can be something unexpected • The story of redemption is one where the remnant often prevails

No Guarantees in life (11 -12) • For man does not know his time • Life is uncertain, and at times tragic and cruel. James 4: 13 ff – your life is a vapor • Life can throw curve balls and if you are unprepared it can be disastrous. • NOTE: This is not saying we do not make plans, but we should “expect the unexpected” 1 Corinthians 10: 12

An example of inequity (9: 13 -15) • Solomon was impressed with this (it seemed great) • A little city, with few men surrounded by a great king with siegeworks. But a poor, wise man delivered the city in wisdom. But he was not remembered.

An example of inequity (9: 13 -15) • An alternate reading • “Present in the city was a poor wise man who might have saved it with his wisdom, but nobody thought of that poor man. ” (Jewish Tanakh -1985) Or… and should find in it a poor wise man, and he should save the city through his wisdom: yet no man would remember that poor man. (Septuagint, LXX – English Translation, Brenton)

An example of inequity (9: 13 -15) • These latter readings make more sense – the man was poor, and thus ignored. Therefore, the city fell.

An example of inequity (9: 13 -15) • Both interpretations teach us • How often are those who actually achieve something not recognized? Perhaps someone with more standing (and little integrity, selfishness, pride & ingratitude) takes credit. We see it occasionally in business, and often in politics

An example of inequity (9: 13 -15) • Both interpretations teach us • OR, there are times when one with true wisdom is ignored because of their lowly status. Sometimes the “lowly” cannot even get a hearing to offer thoughts and solutions. The result, no solution is offered and disaster or failure results E. g. – Christianity today is ignored as a solution to immorality.

Wisdom is better… (9: 16 -18) • Wisdom is better than strength - the one who is wise finds solutions. He finds ways around his lack of strength Proverbs 24: 5, A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength

Wisdom is better… (9: 16 -18) • Nevertheless, the poor man’s wisdom is despised – a case in point, see our previous illustration • Consider Jesus – physically poor, but GREAT wisdom. How was He received? Mark 6: 2 -3 • Also, consider the wisdom of God – Isaiah 55: 8 -9, 1 Corinthians 1: 21 -23

Wisdom is better… (9: 16 -18) • Nevertheless, the poor man’s wisdom is despised – When it comes to wisdom, we need to accept and consider wisdom, REGARDLESS of the source. NOTE: I’m not saying to ignore the wisdom of experience, etc. , but realize there also others with wisdom worthy of consideration

Wisdom is better… (9: 16 -18) • Words of the wise spoken quietly should be heard • You do not have to shout to get your point across. In fact, at times it is counterproductive • Calm can diffuse a tense situation • The shout of a ruler of fools – is NOT better cf. James 1: 19 -20

Wisdom is better… (9: 16 -18) • Wisdom is better than weapons of war • Which is preferred? War or actions taken to prevent war? Even in war, wisdom can bring quicker resolution

Wisdom is better… (9: 16 -18) • But one sinner destroys much good • Hypocrisy, an act in anger or selfishness, a word uttered carelessly can undo all the good and groundwork previously established. • Consider 1 Corinthians 5: 6 Achan at Jericho (Joshua 6 -7) Peter’s hypocrisy (Galatians 2: 11 -13)

Do you think before you act? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14

Let us pray!