Out of all the things Solomon could have asked for, it was wisdom. He chose wisdom above all else to govern and rule as the king of Israel. God indeed was impressed with Solomon’s heart, and gave him unusual wisdom. The Bible says that he was the wisest man on earth. In fact, visitors from distant lands came to admire the wise king. God also gave Solomon riches, wealth, and honor that no other king before him had.
In his early years of being king, Solomon started developing a the habit that would make his wisdom and wealth ineffective for his life: His materialism gave him access to people of other cultures, and He sealed a pact with Egypt by marrying Pharoah’s daughter. She was the first of hundreds of wives married for political reasons. In doing this, Solomon went against not only his father’s last words (King David), but also against God’s direct command (God said not to intermarry with pagans-because they would bring their idolatry, and hearts would be turned away from the one true God). Solomon did as he pleased, and slowly their idolatry was integrated with Israel, and Solomon’s heart (along with other Israelites), was drawn away from God. By doing this, Solomon reminds me of how easy it is to know what the right thing to do is and yet not do it.
“All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied.” Ecclesiastes 6: 7
This is what Solomon is saying here…if you let your job dominate your life, you will be spiritually hungry-even starving. Boy, this really strikes a chord with me. What wisdom here! ‘If only I knew then what I know now.’ I was a workaholic, and being an unbeliever, I thought born again Christians were a little over the top…they were “Jesus freaks”, and the Bible was just another book.
“So are wise people really better off than fools? Do poor people gain anything by being wise and knowing how to act in front of others?” Ecclesiastes 6: 8
In essence, Solomon says that we could have the greatest amount of education, but if our lives are devoid of God, this puts us on the same level as a fool. When we stand before God, He’s not going to ask us how high a level our education was… He’s only concerned as to whether or not we know Him. Please realize that our minds cannot replace our hearts.
“Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless-like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes 6: 9
Dreams cannot replace reality. Live in the present. Do you know that there are some people who have magnificent homes, but no furniture, or not enough money to make ends meet? I know people with really nice automobiles, struggling to make car payments…I think you get the picture. Stop saying, “If only…” Live in the present. Live by your means-don’t overextend yourself. Today is a gift. The person who lives in the future never gets to enjoy today.
It’s my passion to write about my personal experiences to make you realize that Almighty God is indeed in the intricate details of your life. Mostly I am here to share things I’ve learned so far in my “race of faith” with you. I am here to encourage you, and let you know that there is hope...
In all things give thanks! I thank God that I am not where I use to be and praise and thank Him for where I am now! I am a child of the Most High God. I live each and everyday enjoying my life because it is another day I can praise and glorify His Holy name! AMEN!
Lori,
I really enjoy this post. I am a big believer in living within your means, taking the best care of what you have and taking time to smell the roses. I sometimes struggle with the “time to smell the roses” thing, but I am learning.
Well said…”I live each and everyday enjoying my life because it is another day I can praise and glorify His Holy name! AMEN!”…Amen, and Amen!
I Whisper to God,
Stop and smell the roses…that’s an excellent thought! Oh, you can be sure we all struggle in our own way, but the “struggle” is how we learn:)
God bless you!
When we stand before God, He’s not going to ask us how high a level our education was… He’s only concerned as to whether or not we know Him.
I just loved this line. We struggle to perform, and the only thing He ask of us is our hearts and to enjoy His presence.
Great post!
This post really struck a chord. I grew up with a mentally and physically disabled mother, and she was so looked down upon by people with the big houses and the great education (not all, but many). When she passed away, MANY of those same people came to her funeral and said that her life gave them courage when the going got tough for them. I learned a huge lesson through it all:
1 Corinthians 1:25-27
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
Thank you for reminding us that even when we appear weak by the world’s standards that indeed, we are God-strong.
Lauralee,
Your comment struck a cord with me, because I meditated on that scripture so often…”But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
Amen! Thanks for the reminder. God bless!
Thanks for your comment Yvette! You are such a blessing to me, I really appreciate your thoughts.
You are blessed!
Lori,
I'm so gald you are writing about Ecclesiastes. Really good book for me….and everyone. I Thank God for you!(:
I'm sitting here forgetting
to read the Bible and then I go
on your blog and see a verse and it makes me grab my Bible and look up the chapter and start reading and maybe even a couple chapters. This blog has gotten me into the Word when I forget. I don't read the Bible like I should. Something that has been a problem in my walk with God. I just had to thank you for your service for the Lord. You've touched my life for the better!!! God is Loving and merciful(: Keep the faith!
&PERSERVERE&
VERY GOOD verse Lauralee!(: And I like the way you put it “….even when we appear weak by the world’s standards that indeed, we are God-strong.” Our God is an Awesome God!
Jeni,
What you said was wonderful! This blog was created for the sole purpose of glorifying God! I love Him so much, and I’m always in awe of what He is doing through me. Writing extensively about scripture and researching Bible commentaries, Concordances, Devotionals…whatever He uses to explain, teaches me further, and really intensifies my hunger for Him. I’m so glad you are touched.
So, thank you my friend for those encouraging words, and I will Persevere to the end! God bless you!
“Live by your means-don’t overextend yourself!”
Great post Lori! I think we can just look at our country and see that people don’t live in their means, look at the economy and all the people in debt!
If only people would read the B.I.B.L.E. so much wisdom would be given to them! Thank you God for your living word!
God Bless you Lori, I hope everything is well with you!
Hey Thomas!
Great to hear from you! I hope all is well with you:)
Thanks for your comment. Yes, who knew there is so much wisdom in the Word? Blessings!