Who is Wise?

Ecclesiastes Study, 2024

Series Title: Pursuit of Purpose

Message #18

Ecclesiastes 8:1.

ETS: Solomon determined the wise person as the one who fears the LORD.

ESS: We are wise when we pursue the LORD in fear and reverence.

OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to fear the LORD above all else.}

PQ:

Who is the wise person?

UW: Ways

TS: There are two ways that Solomon provides the reader for knowing who is wise. Let’s examine those together.

This verse is likely connected to chapter 7 as opposed to belonging with the content of chapter 8. As such, it is important to understand it as transitional and at the same time, conclusive to the content of chapter seven before moving onward. Certainly, it is appropriate also to the content of chapter eight to transition in— with the understanding of the content coming before, but it is best understood to have direct relation to chapter seven.

The wise person is the one who fears the LORD above all else. [1a]

The first question is better understand— not as comparison— but as literal, who is really wise?

Thus, it is best read as who is really wise, and who really knows the interpretation of these things?

Gathered from the context of the book and not from this verse, it is rightly understood that the one who is wise is the one who fears the LORD above all else— not pursuing purpose in all of the stuff of the world: wealth, possessions, wisdom of man, relationships, etc.

“Where, asks the Preacher, is the man who discerns his way through the problems detailed in 7:1–29, and who will interpret aright the mysteries of providence?” (Eaton, Michael A. 1983. Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 18. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.) [[This is a reference back to Ecc. 7:8, 13-14.]]

The reality: The wise person is the one who fears the LORD, seeking understanding of such things in Him rather than in his own devices or wisdom.

The wise person is the one whose face represents a demeanor congruent with a relationship with God. [1b]

This portion of the verse is pregnant with meaning.

Regarding the brightening of one’s face, the following references provide context to the meaning:

Exodus 34:29–30 “29 As Moses descended from Mount Sinai—with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands as he descended the mountain—he did not realize that the skin of his face shone as a result of his speaking with the Lord. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone! They were afraid to come near him.”

Matthew 17:2 “2 He was transfigured in front of them, and his face shone like the sun; his clothes became as white as the light.”

Acts 6:15 “15 And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”

The common theme between all of the references above is the encounter with God— the contact with His glory. The implication is that the one who fears God wholeheartedly is changed by the wisdom of God, and their face reflects having experienced the presence and power of God. Regarding such, Fausset wrote, “A sunny countenance, the reflection of a tranquil conscience and serene mind. Communion with God gives it...” (Fausset, A. R. n.d. A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments: Job–Isaiah. Vol. III. London; Glasgow: William Collins, Sons, & Company, Limited.)

Regarding the changing of one’s face— from hardness or boldness— the following verses of reference provide context:

Deuteronomy 28:50 “50 a ruthless nation, showing no respect for the old and not sparing the young.”

Daniel 8:23 “23 Near the end of their kingdoms, when the rebels have reached the full measure of their sin, a ruthless king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.”

Both senses used in the Deut. and Dan. passages communicate a negative, stern, and fierceness. Thus, an encounter with God’s glory changes such a harshness, ruthlessness, and fierceness into that of not only calmness mentioned above, but also “discernable gracious[ness]” (Mangum, Douglas, ed. 2020. Lexham Context Commentary: Old Testament. Lexham Context Commentary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.)

The reality: The wise person is the one who has been changed by the LORD, evidenced by an external change in one’s countenance.

Reflection Questions:

[1] What evidence in your life is there that you have feared the LORD?

How do you make decisions?

How do you determine who you are?

How do you spend your time?

How do you spend your money?

[2] Does your face represent that you have encountered and been changed by the LORD, or does your face represent someone who is miserable and in inner turmoil?