“Wisdom strengthens the wise more than 10 mighty men which are in the city—for there is not a just man upon earth that does good and sins not. Also, take no heed unto all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you—for oftentimes also your own heart knows that you yourself likewise have cursed others.”
Ecclesiastes 7:19-22
When humility reigns in the heart, painful memories will not find lodging in our minds and harsh words will not quickly spring from the lips.
Sometimes we think that physical maturity brings wisdom to one. And, in many cases this is true—or so it seems. But, in reality, true Wisdom (which is from above—James 4:13-18) is only found at Jesus’ Feet. And, with it comes much soberness of mind and gentleness of spirit.
Solomon knew there were no perfect individuals on earth—even in his day.
Although blessed by God with great wisdom, power, prestige, possessions, etc., idolatry and immorality laid him low in his latter years. And, even though the majority of his writings in Ecclesiastes are morbid, morose, melancholy musings, every now-and-then real spiritual gems (like today’s Manna) are found.
He knew Godly “Wisdom strengthens the wise more than 10 mighty men in the city.” Although they may have been quite renown physically, economically or educationally, they still could not compare to one who’s “wise in God’s Word, Will and Way.” The one (the “Worldly Wise”) may wow the masses; but the other (the “Godly Wise”) knows how to catch God’s ear and touch His Heart.
That’s why they “take no heed unto all words that are spoken—i.e., they do not take them to heart—even if they hear their own servant cursing them.” Why is that? Because they remember those many times they’ve also “cursed others under their breath or openly.”
True Wisdom always remembers who we are and what we’ve done. Like Paul, we realize we’re always in pursuit of God’s Holiness and never “arrive” until the day we see Jesus face-to-Face (Phil. 3:13-14). Truly, we know apart from His Grace and Mercy we have no Hope (Lam. 3:21-23).
Therefore, we continually strive to be “swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath—for that’s what produces God’s Righteousness in us” (James 1:19). Instead of nursing our hurts and pitching a tent on our resentments, we refuse to water and fertilize a root of bitterness (Heb. 12:15). Instead of keeping score when others have wronged us, we allow Christ’s Love to “cover a multitude of sins” (I Cor. 13; I Pet. 4:8).
Only then can we be sure that our pride will not do us in and keep us from experiencing God’s Best (Prov. 16:18). And, only then can we rest assured that our Master will say “Well done, you good and faithful servant—enter now into the Joy of your Lord” as we reach the Finish Line (Mt. 25:21, 23). Only then.
July 20, 2011
