MAY 25

Ecclesiastes 7:19-22
Memorise Ecclesiastes 7:19
“wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men”

In this last section of Ecclesiastes 7, godly wisdom is again extolled here. It is described as being far superior to the might that any army can muster, stronger than ten mighty men in the city. It is said here to give strength, spiritual strength in order that a man can face the spiritual struggles that he faces. Wisdom would then give understanding, and guide him to how he should react best when there be people who come against him to curse him. It will not be with the physical arm of the flesh that he retaliates, but rather with humble wisdom. The real battles that we face in this life are never battles of flesh and blood, but of a spiritual nature, for we are in a spiritual warfare, facing spiritual foes.

We must acknowledge that no matter how wise and how just we are, we are still sinners, and our wisdom cannot always prevent us from falling into temptation. There is not a single man on earth (save the Lord Jesus Christ) who can claim to be perfectly sinless. Therefore in order to live justly, we need wisdom far more than the arm of the flesh. Wisdom, coupled with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God is what every believer needs in order to stay away from sin.

One such example of the need for wisdom above physical might is when there is occasion that one, even a classmate curses you, be not quick to react and respond with physical retaliation. Instead true wisdom would give true strength, to be able to humble one’s heart, to realise that we are all sinners. Often times before we react to the judgments of others, we must first ask, have we also judged others in the past? Have we also spoken a word out of turn before? Or the rebuke that the classmate gives, is it true? Such restraint, self-control and humility can only come from one who has true godly wisdom.

Thought: The strength of wisdom can stop a war!
Prayer: Lord, may You help me to always exercise godly wisdom in the difficult situations that I would face in life.