Wisdom Makes Better . . .

If we remember back to early in Solomon’s thoughts on wisdom, it appears that he’s making some adjustments to his perspective. In chapter 1, he basically was throwing wisdom out since he felt it only brought grief and sorrow. It’s almost as if he would have agreed with the idea that Ignorance is bliss. In this chapter and the next, Solomon has switched perspective to that of understanding the importance of wisdom. In fact, just the use of the word wisdom is seen 14 separate times.

In today’s chapter, Solomon sets out to show that Godly wisdom can actually make life much better.

I mentioned that wisdom was used 14 times already, but there is another key work that if you took time to circle it in your studying, you would find the word better is used 11 times, depending on the translation. For all of us, and probably the listeners of that time, to hear Solomon say the word better was probably shocking and refreshing after the almost cynical, negative observations so far.

Wisdom Makes a Better Life. -7:1-10

So how is life better with God’s wisdom? This sounds strange, but it seems that sadness and the whole gamut of emotions that go with that description is better than happiness and joy. Personally, I find laughter at a party a lot more fun than being at a funeral, which is usually not seen as a jocular event. Yet, Solomon suggests that the heart is better off with sorrow than with hilarity. I understand that many of us might see him as a Gloomy Gus. But when you consider all of Solomon’s writings, especially Song of Solomon, he was anything but that. Consider the possibility that he is suggesting a more balanced approach to life. We know that laughter works like a good medicine, yet sometimes going through sad circumstances that try our spirits is what can develop a stronger person.

The first verse states that a good name is better than an ointment. Then he goes on to a strange comparison and suggestion that the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. It’s also important to understand that he is not giving an either/or situation with birth and death. Logically, we know that a person is not going to die unless they have already been born. What he is pointing out is that these are probably two of the most notable days in our existence. It is all the days in-between that decide what kind of reputation a person has. If a person dies with a good reputation or a good name, then the day of death is a good day.

We can think of two different New Testament people who make this obvious as to the difference. Mary of Bethany is remembered for her use of expensive perfume in anointing Jesus. Jesus made a statement that her name would be remembered and honored all over the world. Most of us certainly remember this incredible act of worship.

The opposite is the name of Judas. He was a traitor and pretended to be a follower of Christ. When we think of his name, most of us would never consider that an honorable name. However, think of this: when he was born and given this name, it was common knowledge that his name meant praise. Sadly, that name was at his death, something associated with shame and evil.

Death is not something people enjoy talking about, but need to face it head-on. We must understand the reality of death and choose to make the most of our days. If we refuse to acknowledge the reality of death, there is a tendency to not even take life seriously.

Again, this is all about balance. Dr. Ernest Becker, writing in his book the Denial of Death stated: . . . the idea of death, the fear of it, haunts the human animal like nothing else; it is a mainspring of human activity—activity designed largely to avoid the fatality of death, to overcome it by denying in some way that it is the final destiny for man.

In verses 5-6, Solomon states another axiom that somewhat grates at us: rebuke is better than false praise. I added the adjective false because Solomon calls it the praise of fools. Most of us don’t appreciate negative comments directed to us. However if they are loving rebukes, then much more shall be accomplished in our lives. Sometimes praise directed at us means very little if it is shallow and empty.

Verses 7-9 is a portion of his writing that most of us are very familiar with and even try to practice it, though we might now always appreciate it. Shortcuts are sometimes justifiable but are usually fraught with pain, heartache, and often cost more in time, money and energy than going the long route. Oftentimes, I will drive more miles just to stay on well-maintained roads, than taking those shortcuts that are not as safe.

In verse 7, we see people who felt that bribery needed to be used to get done what they wanted more quickly. We see this when people run ahead of God and can’t wait for God to move. God is at work and we need to choose to move according to His timetable. Warren Wiersbe has an amazing quote: God always saves “the best wine” until the last, but Satan starts with his “best” and then leads the sinner into suffering and perhaps even death.

Verse 10 is a rebuke to my comment about longing for a simpler time from the past. One comedian suggested that the good old days are the combination of a bad memory and a good imagination. My friends, yesterday has already happened and I have never seen a rewind button on life. Today is here and Solomon has already reminded us to accept it as a gift from God and enjoy it. By the way, none of us knows if we are promised another day.

Wisdom Makes a Better Perspective of Life. - 7:11-18

When I speak of perspective, I am using the philosophy which Solomon is urging of balance. When a person exercises Godly wisdom, we can face whatever comes our way in life and trust God in the process.

Verses 11-12 deals with the issue of finances or wealth. The dollar may not be worth much at any given time. The markets are never guaranteed to be on the increase indefinitely. In fact, whatever you have can be taken from you in a moment. It’s even worse for the person who does not use wisdom, for what he/she does have will end up being wasted. Wisdom can protect a person far better than any amount of money can buy.

The Living Bible words verse 13 wonderfully: See the way God does things and fall into line. Don’t fight the facts of nature. Very simply put, the one who practices Godly wisdom will choose to yield to God’s will, rather than fight it. I may think I have a better idea and may even be able to use Scripture to prove my point. However, since I don’t understand all of God’s ways and plans, I need to trust him in all areas.

Verse 14 shows how wisdom provides a better perspective in that we don’t give up in discouragement during difficult times. It also helps to keep us from becoming arrogant when things seem to be going well in our lives. I appreciate the one writer who spoke of God giving enough blessings to keep him happy and enough challenging times to keep him humble.

You see, if there were no balance in this area, we could easily forget God and try to do everything on our own. We also can’t have a simplistic formula for the way God chooses to work in our lives. Our walk is still by faith and not by sight.

Verses 15-18 deals with the age-old dilemma of why the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. There’s even an old song which speaks of the good die young.

Too many people go to the Old Testament and claim promises which were made specifically to the nation of Israel. However, these promises were never made to believers under the new covenant. Francis Bacon, who lived in the 16th century wrote: Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity is the blessing of the New. Even when looking at other portions of the Bible, we are reminded sometimes those blessings are only on this earth. Meanwhile many are said to have lost their own souls.

Some commentators help us understand that Solomon is warning people against thinking they have all the answers. Those who think they are righteous are really self-righteous. Those who are proud of their wisdom are exercising wisdom that is not of God.

Thus, we must hold tight to true Godly righteousness. We should also hold tight to Godly wisdom. We can’t create our own form of righteousness and wisdom and think it is of God.

Wisdom Makes a Better Power to Face Life. - 7:19-29

Verse 19 from the NIV helps us to understand how powerful wisdom can be in eliminating any fear we might have of others. Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city. If we understand who we are in Christ, we know that we have all that we need to take on whatever life may throw at us. It doesn’t matter how powerful somebody might be who is in opposition to us, we have no need to fear. We know that God is ultimately in charge and will accomplish His purposes His way and in His time.

There are some fears which Solomon alludes to in the following verses that many of us have that we cannot visibly deal with and which are mostly beyond our control. For example is the persistent struggle with sin. Even Paul was prone to the battle of not doing what he knew he should and then doing the things he knew he should not. That describes the dual side of sin: that of omission and that of active commission. However, if we are constantly in prayer, reading God’s instructions in the Bible, continually meetings together with other believers for worship, encouragement, and challenge, we will find ourselves walking with God’s wisdom. When all of that is occurring, then we will sense more clearly the Holy Spirit’s promptings and will recognize the temptation of sin and know how to avoid it in God’s strength.

One of my biggest fears and frustrations is dealing with people saying untrue things about me. I know that it is gossip and slander, yet I struggle with the felt need to counteract it in order to protect my reputation and integrity. I wish that years ago I would have remembered one of Charles Spurgeon’s remarks to a group of pastoral students: “You cannot stop people’s tongues,” he said, “and therefore the best thing to do is to stop your own ears and never mind what is spoken. There is a world of idle chitchat abroad, and he who takes note of it will have enough to do.” If I would have exercised Godly wisdom and realized I had nothing to fear, I would have saved myself unnecessary, sinful thinking.

Another issue is that of trying to make sense of what God is exactly doing as we see the world falling apart all around us. However, if I truly trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, I know that I don’t have to understand or even need to. After all, God has never failed and is not about to start. Yet, the struggle is even more real when we see the sin all around us. Solomon starts out by dealing with the prostitute who leads men away from God to false gods. He should have been quite tuned into this area, since he had been led astray by multitudes of women who were not following after God. Fearing God and living for Him should prevent this from happening.

“You cannot stop people’s tongues,” he said, “and therefore the best thing to do is to stop your own ears and never mind what is spoken. There is a world of idle chitchat abroad, and he who takes note of it will have enough to do”

In all of this, Solomon understood that if a person will pursue God and use Godly wisdom, he will have the power to face life head-on and not fear.

Conclusion

Godly wisdom can actually make life much better.

It can make life as a whole better. It doesn’t have to be wrapped in mediocrity, tedium, or futility.

In fact, Godly wisdom provides a better perspective of life. Oftentimes, life can be a downer simply because our perspective is only under the sun. When we see life from God’s perspective, we are using His wisdom and our conclusions become completely different.

Which leads us to understanding that when we are blind-sided or caught off guard, there is no reason for us to fear. We now can look at this life and eternal life with the Godly wisdom of His perspective and know that we can truly face tomorrow or whatever may be out there. For if God is for us, then who can be against us. We may feel that the world is against us, but they are really against God. And He is for us.