We can fool ourselves and others into thinking we have some say or influence, but in the course of life, really we're just a vapor. So is it meaningless, as Solomon hits on in Ecclesiastes?
Hardly. We just have problems with the course and scope of the universe and our place in it.
Which verses enlightened you in some way as Solomon talks about wisdom in the grand scheme of things?
Verse 3 is such a favorite of mine that I have it framed and hanging on the wall. I need the constant reminder to stop stressing out over whether everything will work out exactly according to plan. It will, but by God's plan, not mine.
ReplyDeleteVerse 3 is on that I have on my Facebook page. I like the humble confidence that is shown in verse 4. verse 5--enough said. Verse 19. verse 26 and the parallel to 2 Thess. 3:10, powerful. Verse 31 is something I want to strive for--a crown of splendor and a righteous life. verse 33, the latter part of it, I need help with that.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, these words from a wise and dear friend became a mantra that I have repeated to myself countless times since:
ReplyDelete"I am not responsible for the actions of others; I am responsible for the
purity of my motives and the integrity of my behavior... and nothing else."
Among certain of my acquaintances, passive-aggressive behavior is the standard modus operandi, and in such cases, double-entendre is the ultimate absolver of guilt. If an action or statement at face value appears harmless, then the blame for any offense rests with the victim rather than the perpetrator. You can already see the vast potential for mischief! In that context verse 2 in today's reading stands out: "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD." Much as I want to believe that my motives are pure as the driven snow, I have to admit (if I am honest) that this is not true 100% of the time. In light of this verse I frequently ask myself "Why am I doing [or saying] this?" Someone has said that we can fool somebody some of the time, but we cannot fool everybody all of the time, and we can't fool God any of the time. So... are my motives truly pure, or am I just fooling myself? How can I tell?
Solomon's father David, well aware of the potential for self-deception, writes these words: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." [Psalm 139:23-24] My actions and words may appear innocent to some, but if I cannot say to God with a straight face (no feigning innocence -- it will not work!) that my only purpose is to please Him, I should neither act nor speak. The descriptors associated with stirring up dissension are all negative: evil, abomination, hatred, hot-tempered, perverse, greedy, angry, sinful. The word "decent," by way of contrast, appears in Romans 13:13. So... to the One who understands my motives better than I do, my prayer is "May [not only] the words of my mouth [but also] the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
I love Psallite's comments! Thank you for allowing me to learn from you and taking time to post your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI am constantly reminded of how I should always be questioning my motives and it is a daily decision--not just every now and then. Thank God for His grace to know I am not perfect, but I can seek wisdom and understanding. When the times come for me to recive my correction and learn from it, I pray that my heart be a garden to be planted... Lord, help me, because I know I am not always this way.
I find comfort in verse 3: Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. I pray that I do this daily; work and home, family and friends, strangers, and neighbors. May You, Lord, find my work and relationships pleasing to You.
Vs. 25 - There is a way that seems right to a man,
ReplyDeletebut in the end it leads to death.
There is a constant battle in my walk, in any spiritual walk: the battle between my human understanding and my commitment to God's plans.
How many faith steps have not been taken, how many God moments or divine appointments have I missed by ignoring the Spirit due to my lack of understanding? Even in God-matters (and aren't all things God-matters) my first step hangs too often on whether it makes sense to me, whether it "seems right."
The times in my life I feel the Spirit move most is when I listen to Him and act regardless of whether it makes sense to anyone else. Scripture is FULL of times God laid ludicrous requests in front of His men and women:
Build an ark
Kill your own son
Part the sea
Talk to a rock
Take on that giant
Kill Sisera
Don't kill Saul
Die on a cross
Give your last coin
Follow me
Stand and walk
Preach to non-Jews
and perhaps toughest...
Love your neighbor as yourself.
God, give me the wisdom to know your voice better, and to obey: no matter the cost, no matter my level of comfort or my level of confidence.