Thur.’s Devo - Solomon’s Ramblings

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18; 2 Corinthians 7:8-16; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 22:17-19 Solomon begins by talking about the subject of death. He wants us to consider our ending and let it affect our living. He talks about the wisdom of listening to wise people and being able to take their criticisms. He reminds the wicked that they will not be rescued in death. No one is remembered after their death, according to Solomon. *** For a man who has 900 wives, he has a very low opinion of women. In all his looking, he never found a virtuous wife. He wrote of what he was looking for in Proverbs 31. Yet, later he tells us to live happily with the woman you love “through all the meaningless days of your life.” *** He gives some comical advice. I particularly like the ones about obeying the king, since he is the king. And, “wisdom is even better when you have money.” He tells us not to eavesdrop or we might hear someone say something bad about us. *** Since, people are not always honored or awarded during their lifetime, his advice is for everyone to have fun and enjoy life. At one point he says that our destiny is in the hands of God. Later, Solomon says our lives are up to chance - we never know when calamity is going to strike. He was certainly searching for meaning. *** Paul explains his first letter to the Corinthians where he chastised them for their sins. He was sorry he had to write it but not sorry he sent it because it brought about their repentance. Now they have clear consciences and zeal for righteousness. *** In the first letter, Paul wrote to the Corinthians there had been a man who was having an affair with his mother-in-law while his father was still alive. Paul had addressed this matter and the sexual promiscuity that was rampant in Corinth. He is so proud that they cleaned up their lives and now walk in purity. He was also pleased with the way they accepted Titus and gave them respect. *** Lord, thank you for your wisdom that leads us through our lives. May your righteousness be seen throughout the earth through your people and all that you have made.