Ecclesiastes #11

Introduction:

Connection:

Gospel Paradoxes. Life from Death. Upside down nature of the Kingdom! To be a Christian is to be a walking Paradox of God’s Grace.

Theme:

Wisdom and Folly in Hebel

Need:

We need Death to be our Teacher—and Christ to be our Lord.

Purpose:

To instruct us in the nature of godly wisdom in this life of hebel, to refute foolish notions about nihilism in hebel, to exhort us to live in the fear of the Lord under God’s exhaustive sovereignty, and to push us to face death head on through the death of Jesus Christ.

Recap:

Last Lord’s Day we looked at heavy burdens on Mankind. We saw that lonely wealth and sorrows, covetous toiling and wandering, and empty words and knowledge are heavy burdens in this life of vain vapor. We ended with Solomon reflecting on the sovereignty of God and the supremacy of his Word—and how we must submit, receive, cherish, and obey from a place of childlike faith and simply trust. Now Solomon picks up in how to live wisely out of a place of submission to God in this vapor of life in this fallen world.

Open your Bibles:

Eccl. 7:1-18 ESV

PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

(1) Godly Wisdom and Eternal Perspective is better than Foolish Vanity and Vapor - v. 1-12.

After rebuking foolishness and lamenting wickedness in this life of hebel—now Solomon shows us how to fear God, live wisely, keep his commandments, and glorify Him during this mist of our life in this age—he gives 12 proverbs to steer us into a heart of wisdom.

(1) Godly Wisdom and Eternal Perspective is better than Foolish Vanity and Vapor - v. 1-12.

1 - “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth”

One’s reputation of godliness and piety, of grace and truth, of love and mercy, of justice and holiness is better than precious, costly, fine, and rich ointment or attire. Precious ointment and perfume can give off a temporary smell—but when it wears off it can’t hide the stench of sin hiding beneath (Heb. 4:12-13). Whereas a good name outlasts any sinful cover ups. Death cannot take away the power of one’s godly name—when one dies their reputation is sealed. And in so doing, the day of death is better than the day of birth—for one’s name can no more be stained by sinful foolishness. Not to mention that for the Christian, the day of death is infinitely better than the day of our birth (2 Cor. 5:8). For on that blessed day, we have passage into the arms of Jesus, the doorway into the realm of glory, the tunnel into the heart of God, the path to perfection in the Spirit, the entrance into the resurrection morn—Gospel hope makes the stench of death hide under the precious name of Jesus Christ. There is a death of death in the death of Christ for all who repent and believe.

“Bridges: Joyous therefore as was the day of one’s birth, the day of death will be infinitely better! Is not the day that will deliver us from sin and sorrow far better than the day that brought us into them? Born an heir of trouble, crowned an heir of glory! Who can doubt that the coronation must be the better day—the day of unspeakable and everlasting joy!”

“Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:55). “Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ, who delivers us from this body of death!” (Rom. 7:25).

2 - “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart”

Bridges says: “The wise man does not say that it is sweeter, but that it is better to be in the house of mourning”.

It is not more pleasant or enjoyable, it is not more peaceful or happy—but it is better. It is better to stare death in the eyes in a funeral service, than to live flippantly in the house of feasting, as if death weren’t an enemy at all. Why is it better, Solomon? Because this is the end of all mankind. Fearing God is about realistic and trembling trust (Prov. 1:7). Facing death is just facing reality. It is living in the light of God’s Word. Death is an unrelenting master who swallows us all up. One day we will all be in the grave. Foolish is the man who does not give much thought to death, foolish is the man who merely lives in the house of feasting. But wise is the man who charges at death through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who lays the grave to the heart, and who lives life backwards—from death to life, because of our life in the death of Christ (Heb. 2:9). Oh that we might spend less time focusing on Christian living—and more time focusing on Christian dying. For only if we face death will we ever learn how to live in the fear and joy of the Lord in this life (Ps. 16).

3 - “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad”

There is a kind of joy that can only be known through depth of sorrow—joy unspeakable and full of glory can only be tasted through the tears of repentance—a heart made glad by the grace of God can only be savored with a face made sad by sin. The fool values fleeting laughter over godly repentance unto life. But the wise values godly sorrow that leads to salvation without regret (2 Cor. 8). For by sadness of face over sin, the heart is made glad through forgiveness and the Cross of Calvary (Rom. 5:1-5). Only those who sow in sorrowful tears will reap in shouts of joy (Ps. 126:5). Oh to be sorrowful over sin, for only then shall we be glad in Jesus—and only as we are glad in Jesus will we be glad in this life of hebel.

4 - “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth”

And so it is again—what is wisdom? Godly wisdom is mourning death, sin, suffering, and pain—godly wisdom leads us to our knees—godly wisdom leads us to lament—godly wisdom leads us to be live the experience of the Psalms. But foolish vanity just thinks on things temporal, on the fleeting pleasures of sin, on the mist of phony happiness, on the mirth that lasts a moment, but which brings wrath that lasts forever (Rom. 2:2-5). Woe to the man who values the things of the body over the things of the soul, who values the things of this life over the things of eternity. Godly wisdom does a 180 here—it learns to mourn first. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matt. 5:4). Let us not neglect the house of mourning, lest the house of mirth becomes our resting place, and wrath becomes our reward.

5 - “It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools”

How quick is our pride to swell up within us as if we have reached the apex of holiness, righteousness, wisdom, and integrity. This is a snare of the devil. For the godliest of men in Scripture, and in church history, are those who never left the grammar school of humility and sorrow over indwelling sin. Those who excel in grace are only those who can say with sincerity—that “I am the chief of sinners—woe is me—for I am a man of unclean lips” (2 Tim. 1; Isa. 6). And so Solomon says, lest we think we have reached Christian perfection—it is better to receive the rebuke of the wise, it is better to be open to correction, it is better to be eager for growth, it is better to decrease in our own eyes, than to hear the song of fools.

Bridges: “But as many sweet things are poison, so many bitter things are medicine. Let me then bring home this probing point. Are the faithful wounds of a friend welcome to me?”

It is better to be stung in love, than to be dull in pride (Prov. 9:8-10).

6 - “For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity”

The imagery here is like taking a handful of cedar leaves so start a fire—they burn super bright, and hot, and they crackle and shine—and this, says Solomon, is like the laughter of fools—it might glow bright and hot, it might crackle and shine, it might be enjoyed for a moment, it might receive the praise of men, it might bring some wealth and position, some friends and companions—but it vanishes in an instant. It might be able to start a fire—but it cannot keep one going. This also is a vain vapor, says Solomon—the laughter of fools is like fleeting vanity. Jesus says “woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep” (Lk. 6:25).

Borgman: “If given a choice between hearing a wise man enumerate your faults, or, hearing [Taylor Swift] try to sing something, the choice is an easy one”

Do not be led astray by that which shines brightly for a moment—hold fast to sure and steady light of the Word which never grows dim, but lights up our path with perfect consistency and illumination (Ps. 119:105).

7 - “Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart”

Who is wise and understanding among you, asks James? Solomon says: those whose hearts ache and whose minds grow mad as they view oppression and bribery filling up the world around us. Wisdom is not stoic—stoicism is sin. Wisdom is godly affection and emotion to the surrounding atrocities around us. Oh that we would not be unfeeling, but deeply feeling—that truth would not only be known, but felt by us! Oh that we would love the law of the Lord and long for justice to shine forth in our land (Ps. 2; Pr. 28). “Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them” (Pr. 28:4).

Bridges: “Tyranny forces to irrational conduct; bribery to lack of feeling. The standard of the bIble is the only security. He that ruleth over men must be just—ruling in the fear of God. When the Bible is reverenced as the Book of God—the sole rule of faith and practice, a man’s wisdom will make his face to shine; and godliness will enrich the land with the precious fruit of whatsoever things are honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report”

8 - “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit”

Finish what you start—complete what you begin—persevere in your work—for better is the end of a thing than its beginning. Better is the fruit, the reward, the satisfaction, the beauty, the understanding, the peace, and the joy—better is the end (Pr. 3:17-18).

What is wisdom? Finishing what you start, and being patient in spirit—why? Because patience and perseverance is always better than pride and passion. Godliness is waiting on the Lord in active endurance.

Bridges: Pride is the source of impatience, as humility is the principle of gentleness and endurance. Our patience harmonizes with the will of God, and ministers to our comfort, as pride does to our trouble.

“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (Heb. 10:35-36). Oh to have endurance in faith, hope, love, obedience, fear, joy, and self-denial—in private, family, and public duties—to not shrink back in prideful passion—but to persevere in a patient spirit. By faith in Christ—and perseverance in the Spirit—we will reap in due time. Oh how better is a patient spirit than a prideful heart.

9 - “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools”

Slow to anger, slow to speak, quick to listen—this describes the life of our Saviour. And oh how we need to imitate Christ in this way (Matt 11). We must be not be quick to be angry, for anger is the unwelcome guest that lodges and abides in the heart of fools. Anger is the lifeblood of fools. Anger is the first motion of impatience. Not all anger is sinful, but most anger does not produce the righteousness of God (Jam. 1:20). However, we must be angry when it is proper; but such anger must lead to justice and mercy, not to a resting place in our souls:

Bridges: “If anger rushes in by some sudden power, or at some unwary moment, take care this it doesn’t stay to rest. It may pass through a wise man’s heart—but it rests in the heart of the fool as its home.”

Let all of our godly anger turn to prayer and action—and let all of our sinful anger be quenched by the Spirit of God, that Christ might dwell in our hearts through faith.

10 - “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.”

Solomon here rebukes the lie of blissful nostalgia. Nostalgia tells us to long for the things of the past which were just so much better than the times of the present. This is a lie. There is nothing new under the sun. God was good then, and is still good now. Men were sinful then, and are still sinful now. What you are longing for is actually not the past, but the glories of heaven—so instead of foolishly dwelling on memories, we need to actively hope in Christ (1 Peter. 1:3). Instead of longing for the good old days, we need to put our hand to the plow today. Instead of longing for yesterday, we need to redeem the time and seek first His Kingdom. And then, in His timing, we will enter our rest. Instead of crying over the sins of today, and longing for the blessings of yesterday, we must remember:

Bridges: “It is folly to cry out of the badness of the times, when there is so much more reason to complain of the badness of our hearts”

11 - “Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.”

We must be content with what God lavishes upon us in his providence. He gives and he takes away. If God gives us an inheritance, through family or another means, we should be pleased with this, receive it with gratitude, and use it for God’s glory. An inheritance is an advantage for those under the sun—it better than scraping the bottom of the cup. So let us use that which God gives us, let us steward it for the Kingdom, and enjoy it while we have it during this breathe and mist of a life—this vapor of hebel. But oh how much better is the inheritance that “is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven you you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:4-5). Oh to not only enjoy temporal inheritances, but to be sealed by the Spirit for the eternal inheritance of the Kingdom of Christ—have you received this inheritance by grace through faith? Truly it is an advantage to those who not only see the sun, but who one day will see the Sun of Righteousness who rises with healing in its wings (Mal 3).

12 - “For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.”

In this last proverb, Solomon reminds us that knowledge and wisdom brings protection, peace, prosperity, and preservation to the life of him who has it. This he says elsewhere about wisdom, who is ultimately Jesus Christ:

Proverbs 3:13–18 ESV

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.

Oh to know the peace and protection of Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God—and to cling to her for all of our days—to cling to the tree of life—to hold fast to the promise of the Gospel—to be filled with the wisdom from above—and to walk in wisdom for the sake of our great King—this wisdom does not let down, for this wisdom is eternal, Christ is Lord, and riches and honour are in his right hand—salvation and peace to bestow on all who repent and believe.

Oh Calvary, let us not waste our lives through folly and sin—let us conquer death in Christ by faith, and let us live in wisdom by the Spirit of God—let us not squander the opportunities for the Kingdom—and let us live in the fear of the Lord! “Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Lk. 7:35).

(1) Godly Wisdom and Eternal Perspective is better than Foolish Vanity and Vapor - v. 1-12.

This brings us to our second point:

(2) Joyful Prosperity and Humble Adversity is better than Prideful Speculation - v. 13-14.

Ecclesiastes 7:13–14 ESV

Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

(2) Joyful Prosperity and Humble Adversity is better than Prideful Speculation - v. 13-14.

Here Solomon does what he loves to do—to exalt the sovereignty of God—to call us to submit to the Lord—and to exhort us to joyful faith and humble submission to the ways of God that are beyond our finding out. One of such things is when God makes things crooked in our lives through adversity—instead of straight through prosperity.

It’s easy to be joyful is prosperity, and we should be! We should be richly grateful for all of God’s bountiful gifts—whether it’s food or drink, family or friends, work or play, hobbies or activities—whatever it is, whatever prosperity, whatever bounty, whatever gift—God commands us to be joyful. Isn’t that amazing? Joy isn’t an option—it’s a command! God doesn’t command us to be moapy Christians, but happy Christians—delighted Christians—with warm and thankful hearts for the beautiful gifts of God in creation and in Christ. However, Solomon knows that sometimes God doesn’t grant us prosperity, but adversity—and to this he says: consider.

God has made the day of adversity, as well as the day of prosperity. God has made things crooked, as well as things straight. God is the one who decrees our pain. God is the one who plans our suffering. God is the one who directs our afflictions. Solomon says, be joyful in prosperity, but be mindful and considerate in adversity—reflect, pray, humble yourself before the Lord, receive his gracious purpose in the fires of affliction—which are to make you more like Jesus and to prepare you for the weight of glory.

Amos 3:6 ESV

Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the Lord has done it?

Consider God’s strange and painful providences—don’t skim over them and continue on when your car breaks down, when your body is weighed down by illness, when your family members dies, when you lose your job, when things are tight—consider the one who is on the Throne, consider that He is in control, consider that God is making all things beautiful in its time, and humbly submit to his beautiful hand of sovereignty—even when we can’t make sense of why he would decree and permit such painful events.

Solomon adds: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him (v. 14b).

God works affliction and adversity in our lives for His gracious purposes, one of which is so that we will not find out what is coming next. What does this mean? It means that God brings affliction in our lives after seasons of prosperity, to remind us that we aren’t in control of the seasons under the sun, that we don’t command our destiny, that we are creatures, not Creators—that we are entirely dependent on His sustaining power and grace—oh that we might, even when we are the Crook in the Lot—that we might consider his ways, and bow down and worship him, like Job did. That in the day of adversity we might say: the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:12).

Instead of vain speculation into the secret ways of God—we must humbly submit to Him, because He is both sovereign and good, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Phil Ryken says that we should not see these verses“as an expression of fatalism but of Calvinism!” That is, they exhort us to see our situation—whether seemingly straight or certainly crooked—as ordered and smooth in the sovereign mind of God.”

All we need to know, beloved, is:

Revelation 4:9–11 ESV

And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

God will work the rest out—even the crooked adversities—all we need to know is that our God is on the throne, that our God is reigning over all, and that our God is working all things for our good. And if you’re still unconvinced, just look at the Cross—the greatest evil, predestined by God, turned into the greatest good—the salvation of sinners by grace alone! In the day of adversity, consider. And remember that humility in the fear of the Lord recognizes that every ounce of prosperity is a grace, not a due—all we are due is adversity and affliction to our sin. Truly he does not treat his children as we deserve, but is full of grace upon grace.

Bridges: We must remember that we have not deserved one moment of the prosperity, and that we have deserved far more than all the adversity that we have suffered. Practical and experiential religion … brings us to contrite prayer, and casts us in unreserved trust upon our God.

(2) Joyful Prosperity and Humble Adversity is better than Prideful Speculation - v. 13-14.

And this takes us to our last point for this morning:

(3) Living by Faith and Godly Fear is better than Righteous or Wicked Extremes - v. 15-18.

Ecclesiastes 7:15–18 ESV

In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.

(3) Living by Faith and Godly Fear is better than Righteous or Wicked Extremes - v. 15-18.

After giving us proverbs for godly wisdom, and after exhorting us to humble submission to our sovereign God—Solomon now closes this section with a lament over the lack of final justice in this life, and with a warning against overly righteous legalism, or overly wicked sinfulness. Where is the godly middle? The fear of the Lord.

First he says: There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. (v. 15).

This is quite similar to Asaph in Psalm 73: as he cries out in painful agony: why do the wicked prosper! And so Solomon adds: Why do the righteous perish! He says—I do not know. I cannot make straight what God has made crooked. I cannot understand why the godly perish, and why the rebellious survive.

This is the pain of a life under the curse of sin—where things happen that shouldn’t happen—when justice is inverted—when sin abounds—and when we just can’t understood why God permits such things. Have you ever felt that way? A frustration with the seeming victory of the wicked, and the seeming loss of the righteous? When godly Christians are slaughtered by Isis terrorists? Or when businesses discriminate against Christians for their faith. Whether large or small, Solomon says, I’ve seen everything. And I don’t understand. But I know the one who does. I know the God on the throne. And I know that He is going to bring judgment. So we must trust that though the wicked might prosper now, when Jesus returns, the tables will turn—and the righteous will prevail, by faith in the blood of the Lamb who has conquered the world. Don’t live by sight, beloved—live by faith in God’s promises which cannot fail.

And lastly Solomon gives us a warning in light of such realities: Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them (v. 16-18).

In this life the righteous perish and the wicked prosper—so he says, don’t make yourself a self-righteous and legalistic man or women—don’t just give yourself an outward show of piety—don’t add rules to Scripture—don’t be the wise and holy one of self-imposed standards that aren’t found in Holy Scripture—don’t be extra righteous, thinking that will free you from the day of adversity. Do you want to destroy yourself in legalistic poison?

But he also says, don’t be overly wicked, don’t be a fool. Don’t go to the opposite extreme of legalism which is sinful indulgence. Don’t think that self-righteousness is cured by removing God’s standards. Don’t add to God’s commandments, but also, don’t disobey God’s commandments! Solomon isn’t giving us grounds to sin here—he is warning us against a holier than thou attitude that makes us even holier than the Bible. But he is also warning us against a lazy and slothful approach to godliness—that throws off the restraints.

So what’s the solution? How do we avoid both extremes of legalism and antinomianism? Of being overly righteous or overly wicked? The only solution to biblical godliness and wisdom, is the fear of God. A trembling trust in Jesus Christ. A dreadful delight in God our Father. A reverent awe before the Spirit of the Lord. Solomon says, it is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them (v. 18).

Here’s the answer—fear God. Do not add to, or take away from, the Word of God. Do not add to God’s commandments, or take away from God’s commandments. Rather, fear God, keep his commandments, trust in Jesus, walk in the Spirit, seek first His Kingdom, enjoy his good gifts—and know that you will come through by his grace (Eccl. 12). You who fear the Lord will dwell in Zion forevermore. You who fear the Lord will reign with Him in the new creation. You who fear the Lord will be freed from death, saved by grace, and ushered into glory. Don’t be a legalist, don’t be a lover of sin—be a man or women who fears God, and you will come out alive. Because the one who fears God, is the one who trusts in Jesus, and seeks to serve Him, rejoicing and trembling, with hope and love (Ps. 2).

(3) Living by Faith and Godly Fear is better than Righteous or Wicked Extremes - v. 15-18.

And so hear now our conclusion:

(C) Wisdom is better than Folly in Hebel, and those who Fear the Lord will be freed from Death in Christ.

John 11:25–26 ESV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

1 Corinthians 15:25–26 ESV

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Hebrews 2:14–15 ESV

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

(C) Wisdom is better than Folly in Hebel, and those who Fear the Lord will be freed from Death in Christ.

Praise God for Jesus Christ, Amen? Trust in Him, fear the Lord, and walk in wisdom for the glory of God. Let’s pray.

Discussion Questions:

(1) Why is Godly Wisdom and an Eternal Perspective better than Foolish Vanity and Vapor?

(2) Why can we be Joyful in Prosperity and Humble in Adversity under God’s Sovereignty?

(3) Why must we live by Faith and not by Sight? And why must we stray from Solomon’s Righteous or Wicked Extremes?

(4) Why is the Fear of the Lord evidence of Salvation in Christ?

(5) How does the Death of Christ free us from the fear of Death and Empower us to Live in Godly Wisdom?