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| “Wisdom preserves those who have it.” |
| —Ecclesiastes 7:12b |
In the face of a human existence without the presence of God, what can possibly mitigate the circumstances of life? King Solomon asserts that wisdom can provide preservation, but only for a time. Ultimately without God, even wisdom cannot give genuine meaning to a human’s life.
Notice what Solomon has written, as found in Ecclesiastes 7:7-12:
Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.
It is impossible to face the trials that life may bring without a lasting relationship that can only come from God. He is ultimate preserver and sustainer. For a time, wisdom may offer some solace, but it can only last for a season.
At the beginning of this and every new day, we can rejoice that God has chosen us to belong to Himself. The relationship that He has forged with us through the redeeming blood of His one and only Son, Jesus, gives us everything we need to face the trials of life.
