Photo by Faye Cornish on Unsplash
Consider what God has done! Who can straighten what God has bent?
When times are good, be happy. But when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one time as well as the other so that mortals cannot predict their future. (Eccl 7:13-14 GW) [context– Eccl 7:11-18]
Atheism, Religion, and Spirituality
Atheism appeals to many people, just as religion and spirituality do for others.
Atheism’s appeal may simply be its focus on humanity as the end-all-be-all explanation for life. The answers to life and everything else reside in humanity, so there’s no need for God. People aren’t created, they are the result of a cosmic incident that somehow brought them into existence.
Religion’s appeal is nearly the opposite of atheism. In religion, there’s an apparent answer for everything because of God’s existence and power. Many religious people believe that even our human will is determined and guided by God.
I see spirituality or spiritualism on a different plane from religion. Everything is spiritual in one sense or another. All existence—whether animate or inanimate—is ultimately spiritual in its existence. But in spiritualism, a person is still the master of their own will and existence.
Atheism is inclined to see the physical world and human reason as the sum of all things. Spiritualists are not restricted to what’s physical. They see their existence and destiny extend beyond what is physical.
What about those who trust in religion? For the most part, they see their lives restricted by God in the physical world and beyond life on earth.
It may seem the religionists hold a more balanced view of life and God, but this would be a hasty conclusion to draw. Yet, the inverted wisdom of Solomon’s existential reflections in Ecclesiastes seems to poke holes in the beliefs of these three general perspectives.
A person may find themself inclined towards one view of life over the others, but neither of them may be the wisest path of life.
Insights
Solomon returns to a few themes from previous chapters and adds some proverbial wisdom in this segment of verses in Chapter 7.
Wisdom is to be valued over inherited wealth. Although wealth indicates family stability and strength, wisdom is advantageous even for those without a family inheritance.
Wisdom provides a means of protection as a defense against injustice and foolishness. Its greatest value is giving life to those who have wisdom. How? The knowledge and understanding of wisdom will lead a person to a life that benefits them in many ways and honors God.
Solomon then reminds us that only God can “straighten what He bends.” We are not stronger or wiser than God. We need to be wise enough to recognize God’s sovereign power overall.
As Solomon said in chapter 3, there is a season and purpose for everything we experience in this life “under the sun.” Whether a situation in life seems good or bad to us, God has allowed both to take place. It’s a reminder that no one can predict the future.
Solomon observes a conundrum none of us understand. Why do some people who live virtuous lives seem to die too soon, while others who are evil live longer? None of us, including wise Solomon, understand this. It seems unfair and pointless.
After observing this conundrum, Solomon dispenses some more inverted wisdom.
First, he tells us not to make ourselves miserable trying to be too virtuous and wise. Likewise, we are not to be wicked and foolish, which will lead to an unprofitable life and premature death.
Perhaps the most puzzling of Solomon’s statements is this—
It’s good to hold on to the one and not let go of the other, because the one who fears God will be able to avoid both extremes. (Eccl 7:18 GW)
This is not an excuse to live according to our own sense of right and wrong. That would not be a balanced life or one of moderation. Living by our own sense of right and wrong leads to a confused and compromised life.
We’re advised to avoid either the extreme of pursuing virtuousness or giving in to wickedness and the key to doing this is to fear God.
Existential Reflections
I know people who are good and decent with high character values. I enjoy being with them. They personify the beneficial wisdom written in the Book of Proverbs.
But it’s unpleasant to be around people invested in their own virtuousness. Their own sense of goodness becomes suffocating. They seem to suck the life out of everything and everyone around them.
And then, there are people who are dangerous to be around. They are so duplicitous, it’s hard to accept anything they say to be true. Some of these people appear to be evil in nature. Their intentions aren’t just questionable, but malevolent. There seems to be no good in them.
Inherently foolish people are also dangerous. They’re fickle and untrustworthy. Because they lack good sense, whoever is around them needs to be on guard at all times, because their foolishness puts others around them at risk.
Do you know anyone who fits the description of any of these types of people?
How is it possible to avoid the extreme traits of such people?
As expressed in verse 18, the key to avoiding these extremes is to fear God.
The fear of God, as spoken of in the Bible, is not a paralyzing terrible dread of God, but an acknowledgment and respect for who God is.
A good understanding of the fear of God can be found in many places throughout the Psalms and the Book of Proverbs. Here are some references you can look up for yourself— Psalms 19:9; 111:10; Proverbs 8:13; 9:10; 14:27; 19:23.
Atheists are a law unto themselves. Their sense of morality is based on their own perception of right and wrong. But what is their standard of goodness and righteousness? This, in itself, is their dilemma.
The spiritualist’s basis of goodness is anchored in their sense of what is true. This is their problem. Their sense of goodness and truth has no stability or depth—it’s wispy like a vapor lost in the universe.
Those who trust in religion can become the most dangerous of people. They may appear righteous but their hearts can be cold, callous, and judgmental. Jesus described such people as “whitewashed tombstones” (Matt 23:27-28).
Be wary of anyone who claims or seems to think they have all the answers!
Are you fearful of those who are foolish or evil? Don’t be. Here is what Jesus said about that—
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt 10:28 NKJV)
What is a simple takeaway from all of this?
Don’t try so hard to make sense out of everything that happens in life. It will elude and exasperate you.
Don’t put all your effort into being good and wise because you’ll make yourself and others miserable. On the other hand, don’t throw caution to the wind.
What can you do? Trust God—in the same way, a child trusts their parents.
How do we trust the Lord with childlike faith?
Trust the Lord in all you do and encounter throughout each day—especially with what is beyond your control and understanding (see Prov 3:5-6).
This is an excerpt from my newest book available on Amazon! Glimmers of Light in the Darkness of Life
The Scripture text for this devotional study can be found by clicking the blue button link– “Ecclesiastes Chap 7” [I’ve used God’s Word Translation (GW) for ease of reading but the button link will take you to the text in a parallel version with the NKJV text.]
Also, for further commentary, I recommend Enduring Word by Ptr David Guzik.
