Consider the work of God:
who can make straight what he has made crooked?

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

• Eccl. 7:13-14

Our text for this Sunday will be Ecclesiastes 7:1-14. Much of the passage consists of various proverbs which serve to draw contrasts between wisdom and folly, making it difficult to discern any larger structure among the verses. 7:1 and 7:14, however, serve as brackets to these proverbs and the use of the word “day” in each shows us that theme of these verses has to do with the passing of the time. When we consider how to chart the days of our lives we can use either a timeline or a spectrum, both of which are called to mind by Solomon’s words in 7:1 and 7:14. First, the days of our lives can be measured on a timeline because they have a definite beginning and end (“the day of death [is better] than the day of birth”). But, what of the days in between those two significant days? They are measured on a spectrum, with some involving adversity, others prosperity, and everything else in between. The question for us, however, is how we are to live out those days?

He addresses this question with his initial statement ( “A good name is better than precious ointment…”) which is intended to call to mind the fact that those who wear a fragrance are associated with that fragrance. The implication is that it is better to be known for a ‘good name’ than it is to be known for a pleasing aroma (which was a big deal back when people didn’t bathe very often!). This ‘good name’ is associated with the living of a life of wisdom as opposed to a life of folly. If people are to have a good name, they must understand both the mindset that is necessary for it as well as the benefits that result from it.

Solomon has spoken previously of the reality of death (2:16), but here he speaks of the importance of facing it in a personal way. He states that the mourning, sorrow, and sadness associated with death are not to be avoided, but instead are an integral part of a life of wisdom because of how they affect us. They remind us first of our own mortality (7:2) and second they lead us to truly appreciate the good things of life (7:3). The wise person resists the temptation to become a fool who revels in frivolity in order to escape the reality of death because the ‘songs’ and ‘laughter’ of the fools are vanity (7:5-6). When one pursues a life of wisdom there is great benefit that gives one a good name. The wise person resists injustice (7:7), is humble (7:8), slow to anger (7:9), and does not dwell continually on the past (7:10). Instead, they benefit greatly from following the Word of the Lord, building up social capital (stability, support, wealth, etc.) for both themselves and their family (7:11-12).

Although there is great gain in wisdom, the reality is that there will be days of frustration and disappointment just as there are days of celebration and joy. The faithful person must therefore consider the works of God as well as His sovereignty over both the good and the bad, including days of birth and days of death. The wise person loves God and trusts His hand of providence throughout the days of their life. The frustrations and disappointments of life should cause us to lift our eyes up to God in order that we might seek for the one who transcends the passing of the days of our lives.

Join with us this Sunday as we think on these things and as we look to Jesus who lived the perfect life of wisdom, worshiping God and loving others. He was a man of sorrows and was acquainted with grief, but he also knew joy and celebration. He gave His life in the place of ruined sinners who have often sought to avoid the reality of death and whose lives are frequently characterized by frivolous and fruitless pursuits. It is He alone who is worthy of our worship and praise and we gather this Sunday around His table in order that we might be nourished by His promises to us!

Soli Deo Gloria.

-Thomas