Read: Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 22:20-21
It is believed that Solomon came back to the Lord in the end and today we see him come full circle back to what he taught in Proverbs which was to fear God and obey his commandments. He reminded everyone that in the end you will be judged and rewarded, so live your life with that in mind.
He begins by saying that a small error of judgment can undo a lot of good decisions. If someone in authority over you loses his temper at you, it would be better if you remained quiet. This will help him calm down quicker.
Solomon observed that the best people for the job don’t always get it. In this world, it is not always the qualified that prosper. But the person who plans evil for someone else will usually have it come back on him.
Solomon advises us not to invest all our money or time in one place but have many places where we serve and plant. It’s the same as saying, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” You never know which venture will prosper and which one will fail. That way you won’t lose it all. That is the same with ministry. We minister in many ways to many people. It is not up to us to change a heart or bring salvation to a soul. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. Our job is to scatter seed.
To the youth, Solomon advises to be productive and use their time wisely. Don’t be angry and don’t do things that harm your body. Remember God and the fact that one day you will be old and not be able to do the things you once did. Our bodies will one day go back to dust, but our spirit will go straight to God.
Paul bragged on the Macedonian churches for their great generosity of giving in the midst of their extreme poverty. He complimented the Corinthian church for excelling in their faith, their speech, their knowledge and their love, but he wanted to encourage them in their giving also. He reminded them of the wealth Jesus had in heaven before he came to earth to be poor. He did this so we could be rich through his poverty. Likewise, we need to give out of our want to supply what is needed and it will be returned to us in due season. Giving is suppose to be a cycle that flows in and out. God can’t fill us if we aren’t empty.
Lord, help us to freely give without fear of lack. Thank you that you were our example of laying your life down for the eternal prize awaiting us.
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