Elder Ko Swee Chay

Introduction

In Ecclesiastes 12:6-8, Solomon used four poetic metaphors to depict the end of life, signifying that earthly life, though precious, is fragile and fleeting, and death is inevitable. At death, the body goes back to the earth, but the spirit returns unto God who gave it. Once again, he reminded us that living a life apart from God and without Christ is vanity and meaningless. This is not meant to be morbid, a lament, or a funeral dirge; it is a warning and wake-up call to all of us.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, the final six verses of the book of Ecclesiastes, form a double epilogue supporting the qualifications of Solomon as the preacher for writing this book, summarizing the book’s main application and giving a definitive conclusion.

In this Elder’s Page, our focus is on Ecclesiastes 12:9-10. Solomon highlights the effort required to pursue knowledge and wisdom, and the responsibilities of the wise. Solomon, as a wise preacher, sought to impart knowledge and truth to bless others and carefully and deliberately sought out upright words of truth.

Wisdom to teach the people knowledge (Eccl 12:9)

⁹ And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

Solomon stressed that the words in Ecclesiastes are faithful and worthy of our acceptance because the author was a wise preacher. He continued to teach the people knowledge. He put careful thought into writing and compiling this book: he “gave good deed” (carefully weighed in his mind, pondered), he “sought out” (searched with great diligence), and “set in many proverbs” (wrote and arranged many proverbs with great care).

King Solomon was known for his great wisdom, a special gift of God. The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night and said to him “Ask what I shall give thee”. Solomon considered himself a youth, lacking experience and knowledge to rule the country of God’s people. He asked the LORD to give him “an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad …” God was pleased with his humble request and granted to him “a wise and understanding heart”. In addition, God blessed him with riches and honour (1 Kings 3:5-13).

With extraordinary wisdom given by God, Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five” (1 Ki 4:32), referring to the books of Proverbs and Song of Solomon. Being a wise man and a preacher, Solomon didn’t keep knowledge and hoard wisdom to himself. He taught the people the knowledge of God and shared his wisdom. It is remarkable that Solomon, as a king, was willing to spend time and effort on this important task himself. He was not negligent in exercising the wisdom God had given him. He took pains in laborious study, giving good heed and seeking out all that was true and profitable. One achievement of great spiritual significance was he “set in order many proverbs”. Having gained the right perspective on life and with God-given wisdom, inspired by God, Solomon compiled a set of sayings to guide and direct Christians in their daily lives. In this manner, he could impart wisdom to believers throughout the generations. This is a direct reference to the book of Proverbs – a storehouse of practical wisdom for all people, including leaders, and upright words of truth that lead us to a life of godliness, holiness, and righteousness. It is a sort of companion piece to the philosophical conclusions of Ecclesiastes.

Though Solomon was giving us a description of his ministry as a preacher of God’s Word, we have much to learn from how he carried out his responsibilities. He himself first learned to be wise. The only source of that wisdom, he tells us, is the Word of God, given by “one shepherd,” none other than our Lord Jesus Christ (Eccl 12:11). He pondered and sought out the Scriptures, studied and learned them. He then taught the people the knowledge of God and shared his wisdom. May this be the example for us to follow.

Wisdom to write and speak upright words of truth (Eccl 12:10)

¹⁰ The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

Solomon the preacher understood how one should proclaim God’s Word truthfully and accurately. Not only should he teach the people knowledge, but he should also seek to find out acceptable words to bring forth that which was written, which was upright and words of truth, accurate and trustworthy. Words of truth will always be acceptable words. This was Solomon’s wisdom.

Solomon took great effort “to find out acceptable words”. The phase “acceptable words” means “delightful”, or “pleasing” or “just the right” words. He searched them out deliberately. He made sure he wrote them correctly. He sought to find words to speak the truth that were delightful and pleasing to read, and to express the proverbs in ways that would make people desire to read and understand them. “To seek to be acceptable” is by no means inconsistent with faithfulness. But be aware of the great danger of adulterating God’s Word or sugar-coating the Gospel in the well-intentioned attempt to commend it more widely. A self-deceiving illusion indeed, to deprive of the saving power of the Gospel, the Word of God. 

The Book of Ecclesiastes was a testimony of Solomon’s repentance of the mistakes he made in life. Solomon started well, but sadly he ended badly. He knew God’s Word in his head; he did well in the teaching and writing things spiritual, but sadly he did not obey and apply them to his own life. He allowed his many wives and concubines, his love of gold and military ambitions to ruin him. The Book of Ecclesiastes was written to teach all believers to learn from Solomon’s mistakes, so that believers will not repeat them.

Let us learn from Solomon, especially those who are given the opportunity and privilege to teach and preach God’s Word. Having a good knowledge of the Scriptures and the truth, and with careful preparation, enabled Solomon to preach and teach with great power and influence. More than that, he sought “to find out acceptable words”, accurate and arresting words, by which he could share his knowledge and express his wisdom in such a way that people would listen. 

Another lesson we may take away is that we should be cautious with our words, both written and spoken. Thoughtful and gracious words can encourage, heal and build up, but inconsiderate and careless words can discourage, hurt and tear down. In the world of instant messages and quick replies with modern technology and equipment such as smart phones and watches (video or audio call, WhatsApp, SMS, Instagram etc.) and laptop/computer (email, zoom meeting etc.), we are reminded to slow down and carefully consider our words, both spoken and written, like Solomon who: “sought to find out acceptable words”.    

Conclusion

In Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Solomon affirms that godly wisdom is best expressed through carefully chosen, upright words of truth that will bless others. He shows us to be deliberate in how we write and speak, ensuring that our words reflect truth and righteousness.

God’s Word clearly teaches us that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Pro 1:7 and 9:10). A truly born-again Christian who has diligently studied and learned God’s Word will know and fear God. He will acquire the knowledge of God. He will become wise, for he has acquired wisdom which is the application of the knowledge and truth of God. He will be willing to share or even teach the knowledge of God and to use his wisdom to bless others. He will speak and write with purpose and care, marked by truthfulness, thoughtfulness, integrity and righteousness.  May the Lord help us to be a wise Christian, to share/teach, write and speak upright words of truth to bless others. AMEN.