Eld Ko Swee Chay

Introduction

In Ecclesiastes 7:15-18, we learned that whether one lives a long or short life, in prosperity or poverty, in health or sickness, it is not an indication of God’s blessing or cursing, acceptance or rejection. God gives His children wisdom to know this, to guard and protect them from self-righteousness and being over-wise, wicked, and foolish. God’s Word coupled with the fear of God in their hearts will give them the knowledge and wisdom to live a godly, holy, and righteous life pleasing to Him throughout their sojourn on earth.

We shall now study Ecclesiastes 7:19-24 to learn more about the value of wisdom and its ability to guide individuals in navigating life’s complexities.

Wisdom strengthens the wise (Eccl 7:19-20)

¹⁹ Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. ²⁰ For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

We learned in Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 that wisdom is better than riches (inheritance and money), and in Ecclesiastes 7:18 the fear of God is the best antidote against unscriptural extremes: “over much righteousness and wisdom” and “over much wickedness and foolishness”, for the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Now in Ecclesiastes 7:19, Solomon pronounced that wisdom strengthens a wise man and makes him stronger than ten “mighty men” – referring to rulers, kings and governors, men of authority and power. These mighty men possess only physical strength but are helpless against spiritual enemies; whereas the wise man, who understands and obeys the Word of God, is able to defeat his spiritual enemies. He is saved from his sins; the mighty men may be saved from the enemies, but they will die in their sin and be cast into hell. Solomon gave similar commendation of wisdom in Proverbs 21:22 “A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.”; and in Proverbs 24:5 “A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.”. The wise man will see and appreciate the value of wisdom, that it gives more strength than earthly power.

Strength is the basis for a Christian’s courage. Many Bible verses teach God’s people to be strong and courageous. Courage energizes the whole soul; it is a vital virtue that every born-again Christian must cultivate. Courage comes from knowing who God is, His Word and trusting and obeying Him by faith. Courage enables believers to serve God faithfully and truthfully, doing what is right in the eyes of God without the fear of man, problems, and difficulties.

On earth there are just men, i.e. children of God, who do good by the grace of God. But there is not one just man “that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Eccl 7:20b).  The reality is that every believer will sin sometimes. A wise man understands the sinfulness of man and his own sinfulness. Given this fact that “there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not”, every believer needs to minimize his sinning. The more he sins the more he will hurt the holy witness for Christ. He understands the importance of repentance, for it is the only way to repair the damage he does to the image of Christ in his life. The holy witness of Christ in his life can be used by God to save sinners from hell, and when they hear the gospel from holy lips. Young believers are encouraged to live holy lives when they see mature and wise believers overcome sin and live in holiness. This kind of strength lasts for eternity. The Christendom of our time is full of falsehood and deception. Strength and courage derived from divine wisdom are most necessary to live a faithful Christian life of godliness, holiness, and righteousness and to do the work of the Lord faithfully, diligently, and wholeheartedly.

Wisdom to handle criticism (Eccl 7:21-22)

²¹ Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: ²² For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

Solomon advised to not take to heart or resent all the words that are spoken by others, lest we hear our own servants curse us. For we know how we often talk bad of others – evil-speaking, slandering, and back-biting. Wisdom teaches us how to conduct ourselves with reference to others, not to expect that those we deal with should be faultless and know that we ourselves are not. Also, know that some words perhaps spoken carelessly or unadvisedly by ungodly and frail man are not intended for us. When we consider the imperfection of men, the weakness of others and ourselves, we will not be offended or enraged by every word that speaks ill of us, or by everything that is done unjustly.  Of course, we need to reflect on those words and see if there is any wicked way in us. Before condemning others, we ought to examine our conscience whether we may have been guilty of similar offences. Our Lord Jesus says: “… first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” (Matt 7:5). People may sin even in doing good, for man is imperfect. The awareness that no one is perfect should lead to charity, patience, longsuffering, forbearance, and forgiveness toward others.

Wisdom of man is limited (Eccl 7:23-24)

 ²³ All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. ²⁴ That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?

Solomon added that his personal acquisition of wisdom also had its limitations. Though the LORD has given him “a wise and understanding heart” (1 Ki 3:12) and multifarious resources (1 Ki 10), and he attempted to understand many things, he acknowledged that true wisdom was far beyond him, and the imperfection of his own wisdom and knowledge. He also acknowledged that wisdom concerning many things is “far off, and exceeding deep”, and he cried out who can comprehend or grasp what has happened? Here Solomon emphasized his frustration in seeking wisdom, that no matter how much he knew there would always be mysteries he would never understand. He understood that his desire to be wise was not totally fulfilled.

Indeed, heavenly wisdom is deep, unsearchable, high, and wonderful. The Psalmist said, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” (Psalm 139:6). Paul said, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom 11:33). The more we know of God, His creation, His nature and attributes, His salvific works, the more we are humbled by our limitation and ignorance.

Job asked: “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12,20). Heavenly wisdom can only come from God through His Word. For a man to think he has heavenly wisdom is a sure sign that he doesn’t. 

Conclusion

Wisdom strengthens a wise man and makes him stronger than ten men of authority and power.  A wise man understands the sinfulness of man and his own sinfulness and appreciates the value and necessity of wisdom. Be wise, do not take to heart or resent all the words that are spoken by others; recognize the imperfection of men, the weakness of others and ourselves. We need to know that the wisdom of man is limited as compared to the infinite wisdom of God, and we must humbly accept that we don’t know many things. AMEN.