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| “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.” |
| —Ecclesiastes 9:17 |
“When I look at life, what do I observe?” This might well be the question that prompted King Solomon’s quest to examine life “under the sun”—that is life on earth without any provision for the intervention of a holy God and for human beings to have a relationship with Him. We already know that Solomon assembled wise sayings in the book of the Bible we now call Proverbs. But, that propensity to make wise observations prevails in this Book of Ecclesiastes, as well.
For example, notice these words from Solomon, as recorded in Ecclesiastes 9:13-18:
I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
No matter what one may accomplish in life, with very rare exceptions, no one will remember that person or what he or she may have accomplished. Across the pages of history, we have a few notable figures about whom many writers have preserved that one’s accomplishments. But, there have also been numerous men and women who have accomplished just as much without anyone recording their deeds. Thus, they have passed off the pages of history and no one remembers who they are or what they have done.
Good works, as one possible narrative of an individual’s march toward holiness, may have some value. But, as markers of accomplishment, good works by themselves usually mean very little insofar as the reputation and remembrance of that person. No one who does good works with the intent to earn praise and reward will ever find a lasting place in history. Good works alone simply cannot sustain the memory of the person doing good works.
However, when a relationship with God marks a person’s life, that relationship leaves a lasting impression. As we begin another day, I suggest we consider C. T. Studd’s little poem, which I have quoted several times before on this blog. I think it summarizes the contrast between King Solomon’s “life under the sun” where human’s live without a relationship with God and the kind of life that true believers have on this earth.
Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
Living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.
Amen.
