I searched everywhere, determined to find
wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to
myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness. Ecclesiastes
7:25
Why was Solomon searching for wisdom? God
had given him wisdom, discernment, honor, riches, and a promise of long life,
if he followed God’s commandments. See 1 King 3:9-14 and 1 Kings 4:29-34. He
looked for wisdom and found how people are caught up in their own pleasures.
Among the things that Solomon noted is something that is still true today…
But I did find this: God
created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own
downward path. Ecclesiastes 7:29. We all have our shortcomings and it is a
constant battle of choices to choose that virtuous path that God puts before
us. It is simply a choice that we make every day—God’s way or our way.
Are we like Solomon searching everywhere
for wisdom and understanding? Looking everywhere in the world. It takes a constant effort…one that means
turning off the TV, radio, iPad or phone and focusing on God’s words of wisdom
and how we can apply them to our lives. It is easy—the road of least
resistance—to just sit mesmerized by the TV and not take any action to “search
for wisdom” in God’s Word or anywhere else.
What is foolishness? I think it is a choice or action that
disregards God’s ways and brings disgrace on oneself. It is acting without thinking,
so as Solomon wanted to prove…foolishness is madness.
Wise people think before they act; fools
don't—and even brag about their foolishness. Proverbs 13:16
Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but
the prudent are crowned with knowledge. ... People with understanding control
their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. Proverbs 14:18, 29
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge
appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. ... Foolishness
brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. Proverbs
15:2, 21.
Likewise, wickedness is not a good choice.
It is stupid. Wickedness does not please God.
Your wickedness will bring its own
punishment. Your turning from me will shame you. You will see what an evil,
bitter thing it is to abandon the LORD your God and not to fear him. I, the
Lord, the LORD of Heaven's Armies, have spoken! Jeremiah 2:19.
But God shows His anger from heaven against
all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
Romans 1:18
There is a way out… But if we confess our sins to
him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
wickedness. 1 John 1:9. Confess—agree with God. He knows all about us
before we even turn to Him. The best part is that He is merciful—He will
forgive us. Try it—you’ll like it.
Prayer
~ Lord God, I confess my sins and claim the faithful justice and forgiveness
that You promise, cleansing me from all my wicked thoughts, words and actions.
Thank you for Your generous mercy and grace pouring out over my life. Please
now drench my heart with Your wisdom—filling those very spots that were once
filled with foolish wickedness. You are a wonderful loving God—my Father,
Creator, Messiah, sustainer, friend, comforter—and provider of all wisdom, joy
and love.
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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