Mon.’s Devo - Solomon’s View of Life

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18; 2 Corinthians 7:8-16; Psalm 48:1-14; Proves 22:17-19 Solomon says some really wise statements today and then some utterly foolish ones. Solomon had married many wives and been swayed to worship their gods. In his quest for wisdom he tried all sorts of things that got him confused about truth. *** Let’s look at some of his wise statements. “A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.” “Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.” “Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.” “God created people to be virtuous.” “Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.” This last statement is so true. No matter what trouble you get yourself in, God does have a way of escape where there seems no way. The way to find that is through repentance and crying out to the Lord. He has saved me from so many mess ups. *** Some of his laughable statements are: “Wisdom is even better when you have money.” “Don’t be too good or too wise.” “Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one women!” “I recommend having fun.” I like that one! *** Solomon was the king, yet there was injustice going on in his kingdom and it makes me wonder why he didn’t do anything about it or what he did do about it. He make the statement that when a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. We can say “Amen” to that in America where we are suppose to be promised a speedy trial, yet we see people walk the street for decades before their trial ever makes it to court. *** He saw that the scales of justice in his day were turned upside down. The good were often treated like they were wicked and the wicked were often treated like they were good. Sounds familiar. *** Solomon also saw God’s scale of justice unfair. He saw the good and the wicked receiving the same fate. He saw death as the end, period. He saw no resurrection, no accounting of your life before God, and no reward. So why would anyone choose to do good? So, in the wisdom of Solomon, “live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of your life.” *** Paul could have told Solomon that worldly sorrow which lacks repentance results in spiritual death, but sorrow that leads to repentance results in spiritual life. Paul rebuked the people of Corinth and they responded correctly and righted their wrong. That made them eager to see him when he came again. Paul was like a father who is delighted because his children responded positively to his discipline and became responsible adults. *** Lord, may we respond to your discipline and become responsible adults in your kingdom. Thank you for resurrection power and life.