Year of the Bible: Part Seven of TwelveSample

Wisdom is Greater than Foolery

All is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Professing the futility of life, the teacher concludes that whether you are foolish or wise, you will meet the same end: death. So, why even bother? Throughout Ecclesiastes, we see the comparison and contrast between a life of foolishness and a life of wisdom, but everyone will eventually die, so what's the point of living wisely?

We do well to realize where wisdom comes from! God is the giver of wisdom, and every gift from Him is perfect. He is the giver of good things. So, when we choose a life of foolishness and vanity, we do not choose God.

Choosing wisdom is the path that leads to fullness in life. Wisdom chooses a relationship with God rather than pleasures that will die with us. God is eternal and wants you to enjoy life here on earth as well as eternity with Him.

Dr. Tony Evans summarized this passage well when he said, "God doesn't mind your enjoyment of legitimate pleasures. He isn't upset that you like your job, food, possessions, or relationships; in fact, these are gifts from Him. The problem comes when you look for meaning in those things—because at that point, you're trying to find in them something that they were not designed to provide." Who can truly enjoy life apart from God? We are not made to live without Him. When we make the choice to include Him in our pleasures, we find more meaning and lasting joy because He is the source of all good.

Question: Do you include God in your enjoyment of life?

Prayer: God, You are the giver of all good things. Please help me to recognize You in every good thing today. Help me to enjoy You as I enjoy the pleasures You give me today! In Jesus' name, Amen.