S) "17 And I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I realized that this also is striving after wind. 18 Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain."
Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 (NASB)
O) These verses kind of set the premise of the entire book of Ecclesiastes. Although this book is officially written anonymously, its authorship belonging to King Solomon is rarely disputed. These verses show the root of Solomon's struggle. Although he had unprecedented wisdom and knowledge, he lacked answers for one of the eternal struggles of man: peace of mind. Very early in his reign, he had a clearly defined mission. His father, King David, charged him with the construction of the LORD's temple. After that was finished, though, he seems to become aimless. While he was able to lead Israel in political and economic prosperity for 40 years, he lacked the personal relationship with the LORD that his father had (evinced by his polygamy and concubines, which led to his eventual idolatry). All of the wisdom and knowledge he could ever acquire, could never give him what he really needed.
A) This phenomenon is neither new, since Solomon is quite old; nor old, since some of the most brilliant thinkers of the modern world were famously vexed. You know what the evidence is, that my wife is smarter than me? Because in her wisdom and knowledge, she experienced much grief and pain (I use past-tense for the reasons explained below). In thanks, I concede that I have not struggled with anxiety in my past. My wisdom or knowledge, whatever their relative measure, have never caused me grief or pain. But, I know enough to know I don't know enough. The only useful wisdom is from God (see 1 Corinthians 1:19-21). Even so, there can be a heavy burden that comes with that kind of understanding. The key for me to remember, as I ask God for wisdom and knowledge, is that it must come with purpose, His purpose. When I understand His purpose, then I understand that the burden of the wisdom and knowledge is not my own, but His. Being fully submitted to Him, to His plans and sovereignty, gives me freedom from the responsibility of end results. Solomon struggled to find peace, because (and you see this as you continue through Ecclesiastes) he kept thinking things out to their end results, and his wisdom and knowledge couldn't change the end results. Understanding that the end results are not dependent on my wisdom and knowledge, but on God's will manifested, removes the anxiety that would otherwise come. When anxieties come up now, for my wife, this is how she obtains peace. So, I pray and ask God, and act in obedience, and leave the rest up to Him.
A) This phenomenon is neither new, since Solomon is quite old; nor old, since some of the most brilliant thinkers of the modern world were famously vexed. You know what the evidence is, that my wife is smarter than me? Because in her wisdom and knowledge, she experienced much grief and pain (I use past-tense for the reasons explained below). In thanks, I concede that I have not struggled with anxiety in my past. My wisdom or knowledge, whatever their relative measure, have never caused me grief or pain. But, I know enough to know I don't know enough. The only useful wisdom is from God (see 1 Corinthians 1:19-21). Even so, there can be a heavy burden that comes with that kind of understanding. The key for me to remember, as I ask God for wisdom and knowledge, is that it must come with purpose, His purpose. When I understand His purpose, then I understand that the burden of the wisdom and knowledge is not my own, but His. Being fully submitted to Him, to His plans and sovereignty, gives me freedom from the responsibility of end results. Solomon struggled to find peace, because (and you see this as you continue through Ecclesiastes) he kept thinking things out to their end results, and his wisdom and knowledge couldn't change the end results. Understanding that the end results are not dependent on my wisdom and knowledge, but on God's will manifested, removes the anxiety that would otherwise come. When anxieties come up now, for my wife, this is how she obtains peace. So, I pray and ask God, and act in obedience, and leave the rest up to Him.
P) Father, I ask You for wisdom and knowledge, according to Your will, that I might be used more to further Your plans, Your kingdom, Your purposes. When wisdom and knowledge are given, and I thank You for them, please reveal to me the part I play in the moment. Show me, open my eyes and ears, that I might act in obedience to Your instruction, so that I will trust You for the end results. Thank You for the mercy given, when I fail in my obedience, and thank You for the grace, that I am not responsible for making Your plans succeed, when I do obey. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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